Stephane Robert, coach at Novak Djokovic’s Academy, reveals how is the 21-time major winner as a ‘Boss’

Stephane Robert, coach at Novak Djokovic’s Academy, reveals how is the 21-time major winner as a ‘Boss’

Stephane Robert and Novak Djokovic

21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is one of the few players to have opened up his own Academy to nurture the upcoming talent. Djokovic’s Academy is situated in Belgrade, the Serbian capital. When he’s not on Tour, Djokovic often visits the Academy to interact with the students there.

Stephane Robert, a former World No. 50 on the ATP Tour, is one of the coaches at the Academy training the kids there. The Frenchman was recently questioned about the functioning of the Academy and especially how is Djokovic as a ‘Boss’ to which the Frenchman had a brilliant answer.

“Actually, he’s not my boss, I don’t have that kind of relationship with him. It’s more to Viktor (Viktor Troicki), the director of the academy, to whom I have to report regularly. Novak is more of a work colleague, and also advice on how to get my player as high as possible. 

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“We talk, he can ask me questions and me too. He will give me his opinion, and he will discuss it with my player, that’s how it works. It’s very simple actually,” said Robert as reported by French media outlet WeloveTennis.

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Novak Djokovic’s Academy has 14 courts

Novak Djokovic's Academy
Novak Djokovic’s Academy

The Academy built by Djokovic currently has 14 courts under them. 11 of those are clay courts while the remaining 3 are hard courts. Djokovic often uses the Academy for his own preparation, especially during the Clay season taking on some of the coaches as hitting partners.

The Academy continues in its ambition to grow. It however limits the number of admissions believing in quality over quantity. While the limited admissions are for full-time courts, the Academy has also weekly courses for shorter programs for both kids and adults.

The Academy has former World No. 12 Viktor Troicki as its head following the Serbian’s retirement. A close friend of Djokovic, he has the 21-time major winner’s trust to head his Academy and look after the budding youngsters.

While Djokovic does not get enough time to spend at his Academy, it won’t be a surprise if he devotes himself to the Academy in building a great environment and giving the platform and opportunities to the next generation.

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