Who could Djokovic's next coach be? Roddick expects him to go for 'known entity'

Novak Djokovic’s 2024 season has not gone as was maybe anticipated.

From defeat within the semi-finals of the Australian Open to a shock third-round exit at Indian Wells, Djokovic has not but rediscovered the extent that noticed him win three Grand Slam titles in 2023.

Djokovic’s absence from Miami, the place he hasn’t performed since 2019, means he’ll enter the clay season having performed simply two matches since dropping to Jannik Sinner within the Australian Open semi-finals on January 26.

A shock break up with Ivanisevic solely provides to the noise round Djokovic’s begin to the season.

Ivanisevic was a key member of Djokovic’s crew throughout probably the most dominant spells of his profession and was credited with serving to enhance his serve significantly.

The query now could be who’s subsequent – will it’s a brand new face totally or will Djokovic flip to somebody he has labored with earlier than?

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick thinks it’s possible Djokovic will look to a “identified entity” comparable to former coach Marian Vajda.

“It looks as if he all the time type of ends again up with Vajda when one thing like this occurs. That’s occurred a few instances,” mentioned Roddick on Tennis Channel.

“It’d be onerous for me to suppose somebody 37 years outdated goes with a wholly new situation, goes by way of the vetting course of, will get to know somebody.

“You’re on a shortish timeline going into Roland-Garros, so my intuition is that he goes again into one thing that’s identified, that’s acquainted. I’d be stunned if six to eight weeks out from Roland-Garros, he simply begins a wholly new relationship. However I’ve been unsuitable earlier than, I’ll be unsuitable once more, however I’d be stunned if it was somebody utterly new.”

One other former Djokovic coach, Boris Becker, is out of labor after ending his relationship with Holger Rune earlier this yr.

The unlikely thought of Roger Federer teaching one in all his best rivals has additionally been playfully raised.

“Possibly it could possibly be a very good collab [collaboration],” mentioned former Olympic gold medallist Monica Puig with a smile on Tennis Channel.

Having skipped Miami, it’s full steam forward into the clay season for Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are additionally set to play.

Djokovic is a two-time winner in Monte Carlo however has not had a lot success there lately, successful simply two matches in his final three appearances.

Final yr he was crushed by Lorenzo Musetti within the third spherical.

“No titles this yr, that’s not one thing I’m used to,” mentioned Djokovic after his shock loss to world No. 123 Luca Nardi. “I used to be beginning the season most of my profession with a Grand Slam win or Dubai win or every other match.

“But it surely’s superb, it’s a part of the game and also you simply have to just accept it. Some you win, some you lose. Hopefully, I’ll win some extra. I’ll nonetheless preserve going.”

Djokovic’s schedule after Monte Carlo has not been confirmed.

The previous couple of years he has performed clay occasions in Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, however they don’t seem to be on the ATP Tour calendar this season.

After the Monte Carlo Masters there are tournaments in Barcelona, Munich and Bucharest, earlier than the back-to-back Masters 1000 occasions in Madrid and Rome.

Djokovic has solely performed Madrid as soon as within the final 4 years however Rome has been a relentless on his calendar, taking part in the match yearly since 2007. Amongst Masters 1000 occasions, Djokovic has solely received Paris (seven) extra instances than Rome (six).

Djokovic has spent 418 weeks as world No. 1, a document that won’t be damaged anytime quickly.

His place on the high may quickly be threatened although by world No. 2 Alcaraz, who can near 280 factors behind if he wins the Miami Open.

If Alcaraz does win the title in Miami then the No. 1 rating can be on the road in Monte Carlo.

Alcaraz and Djokovic each missed the match final yr so may have the identical quantity of factors to achieve.

Jannik Sinner may be shut behind.

The world No. 3 will begin the clay season 1,115 factors behind Djokovic if he wins the Miami title.

Sinner has simply 585 factors to defend throughout the entire clay season, most of that are in Monte Carlo (360) the place he made the semis final yr.