Novak Djokovic Teases Partnership with Childhood Icon Monica Seles Ahead of the US Open

Novak Djokovic has not had a permanent coach since parting ways with British legend Andy Murray in April.

Novak Djokovic Teases Partnership with Childhood Icon Monica Seles Ahead of the US Open

Novak Djokovic and Monica Seles (via X/The Tennis Letter/L'Equipe)

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Novak Djokovic has hinted at collaborating with former World No.1 Monica Seles in the future. The Serbian legend has been working with Dusan Vemic since parting ways with Andy Murray in April. Vemic was with him at the Roland Garros and Wimbledon Championships, but is not a part of Djokovic’s entourage at the US Open.

Djokovic has not had a long-term coach since parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic. He worked with the Croatian coach for six years on tour, winning twelve Grand Slam titles together. Their collaboration ended in March 2024. After that, Djokovic partnered with a few trusted coaches from Serbia before working with Murray.

The 38-year-old kicked off his collaboration with Murray at the Australian Open, where he reached the semi-finals. But their relationship came to an end after Djokovic failed to win a single match in Monte Carlo and Madrid. Just after their split, he claimed his 100th ATP tour-level title at the Geneva Open.

Since then, he has been working with Vemic, who has been his temporary coach. During an interview with CLAY Tennis, he was asked who he would partner with in the near future. He admitted that it is hard to commit to any tournament as a coach full-time because his schedule has been reduced due to his age:

It’s hard for me to ask someone to commit full-time when I’m playing maybe two tournaments in two or three months. In our sport, that’s a tricky situation for a coach. I don’t feel it’s necessary right now, but I’d love to have some big names alongside me for a tournament or two—like Andy earlier this year.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion then gave a hint that pointed out that the person he was referring to partner with was WTA legend Monica Seles, whom he had revealed last year was one of his childhood heroes:

I’m open to that. We’ll see—maybe it happens, maybe it doesn’t. I think you know who I’m talking about. I’m smiling because it’s like you’ve read my mind, but I can’t tell you anything. I’ve been stirring the pot a little, talking… We’ll see, you’ll be informed. We’ll see.

Djokovic is seeking his 25th Grand Slam title at the US Open. He has done his best to reach the semi-finals of the three major tournaments played this season, retiring against Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open and then losing to Jannik Sinner at the Roland Garros and Wimbledon Championships.

Novak Djokovic reveals who would coach him at the US Open

Since the start of the 2024 season, Novak Djokovic has focused more on Grand Slam tournaments than on any other event on tour. This season alone, he was absent from ATP Masters 1000 events in Rome, the Canadian Open, and the Cincinnati Open, and that has seen him drop to World No.7 in the ATP rankings.

Novak Djokovic (2)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Wolfy)

But that isn’t a big deal for Djokovic. When asked who his coach will be at the US Open as Dusan Vemic is not with him, the 38-year-old revealed that Serbian coach Boris Bosnjakovic will guide him at Flushing Meadows:

Dule is not with me now; maybe he’ll join for some tournaments in the future. Again, there’s no contract or long-term plan. It’s more occasional—if it suits both of us, we work together. For now, it’s just Boris (Bošnjaković) with me.

Djokovic will open his account at the US Open against World No.48 Learner Tien, who has defeated Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev this season. He then faces a qualifier or lucky loser in the second round. He could possibly face Holger Rune or Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round. Should he reach the semi-finals, a potential clash against French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz awaits him.

Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka Hopes to Implement this Season’s “Tough Lessons” at the US Open