Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
Andy Roddick has expressed his surprise at Novak Djokovic’s split with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic and claimed “there had to be something to set this in motion mid-season.”
The former world No 1 believes Djokovic will look for a “known entity” as his next coach and revealed it would not shock him if the Serbian considers re-appointing tennis great Boris Becker.
Djokovic announced this week that his highly successful partnership with 2001 Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic had recently come to an end. With the Croatian in his corner, Djokovic won 12 of his 24 Grand Slam titles.
“I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team. It was back in 2018, and Marian [Vajda] and I were looking to innovate and bring some serve magic to our duo,” the 36-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“In fact, not only we brought serve, but also lots of laughter, fun, year-end no1 rankings, record-breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams (and a few finals) to the count since then. Did I mention a bit of drama too?
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago. Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid.
“In fact, I am proud to say (not sure he is) that apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in (the board game) Parchisi going on… for many years. And – that tournament never stops for us. Thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”
Speaking on Tennis Channel, Roddick weighed in on the unexpected news and admitted the timing of the split surprised him.
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them,” declared the American.
“I’ll be curious to see who he goes to next. It seems like he kind of always ends up back with [Marian] Vajda when something like this happens. That’s happened a couple of times.
“But the one thing is, Novak can only take opinions from a certain amount of people on earth. That’s why he went with [Boris] Becker, that’s why he goes with Goran. People who know those situations. I’ll be very curious to see what his next steps are.”
The 2003 US Open champion was then asked for his thoughts on who would be a good fit to replace Ivanisevic, and suggested a familiar figure, like Becker, could be a contender.
“I don’t know, that’s a tough one. I just think, kind of a known entity. It would be hard for me to think someone 37 years old goes with an entirely new scenario, just goes through the vetting process, gets to know someone,” said the 32-time ATP titlist.
“You’re on a shortish timeline going into Roland Garros, so my instinct is that he goes back into something that is known, that is familiar. I’d be surprised if six, eight weeks out from Roland Garros he just starts an entirely new relationship.
“This is pure speculation, I know nothing, but it wouldn’t shock me to see Becker in the mix of that conversation.”
Six-time Grand Slam champion Becker coached Djokovic between 2014 and 2016 – during which time the legendary Serbian won six Grand Slam titles and 14 ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.
