It’s no secret that Djokovic is struggling. He lost his crown, his groove and his game in the span of a year. Thus it came as no surprise when he decided to cut his decade old coaching team loose. Djokovic at this hour does not need a coach that would help him hit the ball right but rather a coach that would make him see right. He is fighting certain specific demons which were more than what his current team could handle and this called for a change, a major change. Here are the the five potential coaches for Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic is known to bounce from coaches to coaches to find a perfect fit that could complement him and his talent. What’s left to see is who will take the reins next and make this champion champion again. Let me give him 5 alternatives to cogitate on.
5) Toni Nadal
Needless to say that Toni is by far the most successful tennis coach of all time. Not because of all the titles he helped garner but because he gave the World one of the best tennis player to ever live. Earlier this year, he parted ways from Rafa. Now, that he has some free away from the legend he can focus on another.
Toni is known for his strict tough-love style of coaching. There would be no other person better than Toni to could refine his peripherals with his tried and tested methods. Under his guidance his prodigious son learnt commitment and humility. He would be Djokovic’s best choice if he needs some discipline in his play.
4) Magnus Norman
Djokovic’s quandary can be handled once and for all by Magnus Norman. He is without a doubt one of the best and most respected coaches of all time. His motto “From good to great” He built the fledgling Robin Soderling into the Grand Slam finalist. He went on to train the Swiss, Stan Wawrinka into a 3 time Grand Slam Winner. He transformed his pupils in those great player they became.
ALSO READ : Five times Federer won a tournament without dropping a set
His approach is rather unorthodox, he tried to understand the player before the player’s playing style. He approaches them on a more mental level. He is capable of working around the needs of the former World No. 1 and this is exactly the desperate need of Djokovic. Which is why Norman would be a perfect arrow in his quiver.
3) Brad Gilbert
Another possible perfect fit for Team Djokovic if they can handle his finesse. The sought-after Australian is lauded as one of the finest thinkers in the game. Among many of his spectacular coaching achievements, most notable ones top players, include Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori. He shaped these players for what they are. He saw the talent and brought it out in the world.
Since 1994, he has been successful as a tennis coach. This success has often been associated with the extraordinary tactical abilities exhibited during his own matches. With a man who has as much experience as Brad Gilbert, Novak could certainly get back on his estranged train to World No 1.
2) Stefan Edberg
The Swedish former World No. 1 led a tremendous wave during his time. He knows exactly what it takes to climb that ladder to become the ruler and what it takes to maintain that throne.
Federer described Edberg’s role as “more of a mentor than a coach”. Nonetheless, his influence has been widely regarded as pivotal in the Swiss champion’s eventual resurgence, especially in bringing effective and more frequent serve-and-volley and net charging to his game. Edberg proved to bring more stability and composure to his game. He can attain a broader role than just being a coach. Djokovic couldn’t ask for him if this is exactly what Edberg can do for him.
1) John McEnroe
John McEnroe a coach! You cannot be serious! But I am. This might come as a surprise but desperate time calls for desperate measures. I know that McEnroe isn’t exactly amenable but Djokovic does not need amenable. He needs an unconventional method of learning. Who else to provide that?
ALSO READ : Five of the best Madrid Open finals
Djokovic confessed that what he requires is a change of pace and dynamics of his game. I the quick changing world of tennis, he doesn’t need to recreate the magic of his past but to make a new one. McEnroe cold definitely guide him in right direction. Only time will tell which shrew would be tamed if Djokovic decides to take the road less travelled by.
