Djokovic reveals his coach for the French Open and speaks about ups and downs in his motivation
Speaking to Serbian reporters ahead of the French Open, the world No 1 Novak Djokovic confirmed that he doesn’t yet have a name for his new long-term coach and spoke about the “new phase” mentally. Boris Bošnjaković will be with him in Paris.
Novak Djokovic, 2024 | © Chryslène Caillaud / Panoramic
Nenad Zimonjić, Novak Djokovic’s long-time friend, travelled with him to Monte-Carlo and Rome, but he won’t be the long-term solution for the position of Djokovic’s coach.
“Since my split with Goran (Ivanisevic), I never confirmed that I have a permanent coach” said Djokovic. “I said that Nenad was there to help me as a friend and as a mentor, as someone who I regard important in my life“.
On this morning’s flight from Belgrade to Paris, though, there was another man, a man who will be Novak’s coach during Roland-Garros – his name is Boris Bošnjaković, 50-year-old from town of Novi Sad.
“Boris is a part of my technical team, so to say, when it comes to analysis of my rivals, matches and my own game. We’ve been cooperating for several years in various roles, Boris had been the head coach at Novak Tennis Centre. He is going to be my tennis coach in Paris, he will work with me on analysis, preparations and tactics. As for what comes after this tournament, I don’t have a long-term coaching solution at this moment“.
According to many pundits and fans as well, a perceived lack of motivation also played a role in Djokovic’s subpar start to the season – he has reached three semis (Australian Open, Monte-Carlo and Geneva) without a final.
“The motivation varies, it’s not consistent – one week it’s like this, other week it’s like that.”
Novak Djokovic
Serbian reporters asked Novak how would he rate his motivation:
“It varies, it’s not consistent – one week it’s like this, other week it’s like that. In that whole process, I am trying to keep in touch with the highest level of dedication to professional tennis, with what needs to be done in order for me to compete and to try to win the biggest trophies. I need to do what is up to me – fitness, tennis, nutrition, mental aspect, I need to maintain the necessary commitment to work so that I can still be one of the candidates to win majors“, Djokovic commented before adding:
“At Slams, there is still a lot of motivation. At other tournaments not so much, but Slams, playing for Serbia, Olympics… Those kind of thing still move me, still give me strength and desire. I mean, that really is sufficient at this point in my career, that’s why I still play professionally. Ranking is not my priority anymore – whether I add one, five or ten more weeks, it doesn’t concern me, I think I’ve done pretty well in that department (smiling).”
Djokovic – Herbert, first round on Tuesday
“Also, I am trying to enjoy the whole proccess, which is not always possible. When I don’t have my closest ones next to me, then it gets more difficult, but it’s OK, it’s a new phase mentally that I need to process and adapt to“.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, faces Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round of the French Open, on Tuesday. The Serb is the defending champion, having beaten Casper Ruud in the last year’s finals.
