Novak Djokovic took to Instagram to send a cryptic message to the ATP. The ATP recently announced Jannik Sinner’s coaches, Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill, as the best coach award winners. Although Sinner had a great end of the season, Novak Djokovic dominated throughout the year winning multiple titles. Djokovic congratulated Sinner’s coaches on Instagram before sarcastically taunting ATP for their decision.
Novak Djokovic tagged his coach Goran Ivanisevic in the post and took a sly dig at the ATP. The Serbian suggested that even winning three Grand Slam titles in a year and ending the year as World No.1 is not enough to win the best coach award. The 36 year-old further added sarcastically that Goran might be considered the best if Djokovic wins all four Grand Slam titles next time.
“Goran, I guess we need to win 4/4 slams in order for you to maybe (just maybe) be considered coach of the year. Winning Year-End #1, 3GS, WTF and making history of this sport is not enough, my dear coach.”
Djokovic on IG, on the ATP ‘Coach of the Year’ Award:
“Goran, I guess we need to win 4/4 slams in order for you to maybe (just maybe) be considered coach of the year.
Winning Year-End #1, 3GS, WTF and making history of this sport is not enough, my dear coach”
— Olly (@Olly_Tennis_) December 14, 2023
Novak Djokovic does make a valid point with his statement. The Serbian was the best player in the world during the 2023 season. The 36-year-old won three Grand Slam titles and followed it up with the Paris Masters, Cincinnati Masters and the ATP Finals wins as well. Although Jannik Sinner did beat Novak Djokovic in their men’s singles semifinal match to lift the Davis Cup 2023 for Italy eventually, the Serbian had a better season overall than any other player on Tour. Hence, Djokovic’s frustration towards his coach Goran Ivanisevic not winning the best coach award is understandable.
Tennis fans react to the Novak Djokovic statement
The tennis community on social media have divided opinion on Novak Djokovic’s statement. While most of the fans agree with the Serbian and feel Goran should be awarded the best coach award, others feel that Djokovic should not take away the moment from Sinner’s coaches. Novak Djokovic has been trending again after his social media post.
Djokovic has said in the past that these things motivate him to win even more. It will be interesting to see of this recent tiff with ATP will fire up the Serbian more.
He’s not wrong either
— Æ | ♑ # (@LilyYog83) December 14, 2023
Maybe, just maybe, Simone and Darren had a massive impact on Jannik’improvements.
— Fla (@Fla_Sinn) December 14, 2023
SOAT
saltiest of all time
— Partrick Mouratoglou’s Doping Laboratory Scientist (@pcbstan) December 14, 2023
Gracious as always, raining on a young players moment.
— Fact Blue (@FlipBlue2024) December 14, 2023
Good for Novak! He should speak more often. In this case, yes Jannick had a good year, won a few trophies at the end of it, but it’s not even close to what Novak had achieved. I hope this is further motivation to win it all next year!
— Alexandra (@alexxandra1011) December 14, 2023
Maybe if his coaching wasn’t based on suspicious drinks when Novak is losing he would win something
— Diego Ojeda #La Reconquista (@DiegoOjeda724) December 14, 2023
He ain’t wrong tho…
Jannik improved massively for sure but he started playing well just at the end of the season…
Novak played amazing all year long…
— G.o.a.t (@Vuk135) December 14, 2023
He’s not wrong, Goran should’ve won that award hands down.
— Ovieroghene (@OfSouthSouth) December 14, 2023
Goran should definitely get coach of the year award for dealing with a guy like Novak
— shyam pillalamarri (@Shyam747380) December 14, 2023
So kind & gracious that the number one player deliberately overshadows a younger player and his coach.
It’s always about him and this is something that the non Novak supporters have always seen in him.
— Muz (@muzzzzzzzz) December 14, 2023
Novak is about to complete the Calendar Slam, win Olympic Gold, win another ATP Final, and be year end #1 again just so his coach can finally win the ATP Coach of the Year award.
— JP (@jpcrotc) December 14, 2023
