Whilst Coco Gauff has stolen the headlines with her coaching change on the eve of the US Open, Novak Djokovic has delivered his own revelation from within his backroom staff.
The Serbian has endured a relatively tumultuous year in this area, with Djokovic splitting with Andy Murray just months after their shock partnership was announced.
However, that has not stopped him from performing at a supremely consistent level at the Grand Slams, reaching the semi-finals of all three he has featured in.
For most on tour, this would mark a sensational return. Alas, for a man chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, it’s simply not good enough.
Additional turmoil from his coaching staff will hardly help his cause at this year’s US Open.
Novak Djokovic delivers update on his coaching staff ahead of the US Open
Speaking to Sportklub, just after he revealed which legendary WTA figure he hopes will become his coach in the future, he focused on the staff he currently boasts.
And, in a revelation that might shock most, the man who helped lead him through both the French Open and Wimbledon will not be present with him in New York.
Novak Djokovic revealed: “Dule is not with me now, maybe he will be at some tournaments in the future. I say again, we don’t have a contract or a long-term agreement – it’s more sporadic; if it suits both of us, we work. Only Boris (Bošnjaković) is with me.”
The 38-year-old spent many years with Dušan Vemic at his side before they went their separate ways, yet have continued to reunite on occasion. Upon his return after the Murray departure, it was always going to be just a short-term reunion.
Novak Djokovic wants Monica Seles to be his coach in the future
However, perhaps the most interesting claim that came from this interview was about Djokovic’s coaching future rather than the present.
After all, he insisted that he hopes that Monica Seles, a nine-time Grand Slam champion who retired in 2008, will one day join his staff.
He claimed: “I love Monica.
“I’m laughing because it’s like you’re reading my mind, but I can’t tell you anything.
“These are initial discussions, it’s more about emotions than a long-term collaboration. It would mean a lot to me.”
After his brief union with Murray, this would be yet another shocking partnership that would surely take the tennis world by storm.
It seems that Djokovic is keen to retain the coaching limelight after Gauff split with her coach on the eve of the US Open.
