Novak Djokovic Explains Importance of Coaches at This Stage of His Career: “They Find Solutions When You’re Overwhelmed”

Novak Djokovic knows the game of tennis very well, but he still thinks a coach has crucial roles to play even when players reach the twilight of their careers. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, on Thursday (January 22), breezed past his Australian Open second-round opponent Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic, who last year lost all his Grand Slam semifinals, is chasing his record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park as well as his historic 25th Major. He will next be locking horns with Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

Djokovic, who last year clinched two ATP 250 titles, said learning never stops. Even though the former World No.1 has achieved a great deal and is the owner of many records, he understands the contributions of coaches at this stage of his career, as they help him manage various emotions that players generally deal with in a highly competitive environment. Following his split with Andy Murray, Djokovic started working with Dusan Vemic and Boris Bosnjakovic.

I think you always need at least a pair of eyes on the side of the court, if not two pairs or three pairs that know tennis and that have different expertise, and they have different angles of seeing your game and seeing your opponent’s game. I obviously know the game of tennis very well, but very often times, particularly in competitive weeks when you’re under stress and emotions are not, I would say, at bay as they normally are in a non-competitive week.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

Djokovic said a coach not only helps with technical stuff but is contributing to observing the player’s game. He said tennis is an individual game and there’s no substitution, so even when the players are not feeling good, they have to navigate the emotions alone.

And I think the coaching team, the physio team, fitness team is there to provide the necessary support for you to excel in your performance and also find solutions during the match when you’re overwhelmed with what’s happening, and sometimes you cannot think clearly, and that’s why you look at your team and ask for some guidance.

Novak Djokovic added

Djokovic last tasted glory in Melbourne back in 2023 by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas. The following season, he suffered a four-set defeat at the hands of eventual champion Jannik Sinner.

Novak Djokovic hopes to emulate Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils

Gael Monfils is 39, and Stan Wawrinka is 40. Both will finally be calling time on their illustrious careers after this season. Although the Frenchman suffered a four-set defeat against Dane Sweeny in the first round, Stan the Man saved himself from the brink of elimination with an epic five-set win over 21-year-old Arthur Gea, leaving the tennis world, including Djokovic, impressed.

Djokovic, following his second-round win, expressed his wish to follow in the footsteps of both Monfils and Wawrinka to prolong his career.

Monfils is one year older than me, Wawrinka two…so I think I have two more years left to play- at least.

Novak Djokovic told ESPN Brazil

Djokovic dreams of ending the most glorious chapter of his life at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Djokovic won his career’s first gold medal by defeating Carlos Alcaraz, calling that win the biggest achievement of his career.

The 38-year-old, however, has yet to win a Big Title since that win. He came close to the win when he made the 2025 Miami Open final but failed to go past Jakub Mensik.

Last year, the two ATP 250 titles that he lifted were at the Geneva Open and the Hellenic Championship. He defeated Hubert Hurkacz and Lorenzo Musetti, respectively, in the two events.

Also read: (Video) Coco Gauff and Chris Eubanks Share Hilarious Off-Court Moment at the Australian Open

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