Novak Djokovic is rumoured to be working on a move to appoint a “big name” coach, according to friend and Serbian Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki.
Troicki, a former world No 12, expects Djokovic to win “many more titles” if he “trains properly.”
Djokovic parted ways with former coach Goran Ivanisevic in March after a hugely successful collaboration that featured nine Grand Slam titles.
The 24-time major winner has not appointed a permanent coach to replace the renowned Croatian, with his manager and hitting partner Carlos Gomez-Herrera the only current member of his coaching team.
Former doubles world No 1 Nenad Zimonjic coached the 37-year-old briefly during the clay-court season.
Djokovic won his only title of 2024 at the Paris Olympic Games in August with Serbian captain Troicki in his box at Stade Roland Garros.
In an interview with Sport Klub, Troicki revealed he has heard a rumour that his legendary compatriot may add a prestigious coach to his team during the off-season.
“I am glad that Novak stated that he is 100 percent starting preparations for the new season,” Troicki said.
“We saw each other briefly, and I even heard that something was brewing with a new coach, with a big name. I don’t know anything about that. That’s the gossip I heard yesterday, I didn’t hear from him.
“If so, I really believe that he is very motivated and wants to come back in the right light next year.
“This year, his main focus was on the Olympic Games, and he showed that – when he really wants something, he can make it happen, it was like that before and in his career.
“If he trains properly, we can expect many more titles from him. He has time to prepare properly.
“I’ve known Novak for a long time and I know what it’s like when he really ‘bites’. That’s how it was at the Olympic Games. You can see it from the first training session, it was the same in Paris. It is recognised in him – he is sharper.
“I’m not saying he’s relaxed at other tournaments, but there’s a lot more focus and attention to detail. It is incredible what he has achieved. When he believes in something, he is truly the strongest and there is no equal to him.”
The three-time ATP titlist outlined the qualities that he feels a potential new coach for Djokovic would need.
“Honestly, I’m also guessing because I have no information and no idea who it could be. Again, he will be looking for a big name with whom he can share experiences,” Troicki added.
“Of course, Novak is the best in history and the new coach will not teach him forehand or backhand, we are all aware of that, but he needs someone with whom he can share the experience.
“It is very important that he finds peace when he looks at him, he needs that. To get a comment at a given moment. He is really demanding about it and asks his box for information because he is a perfectionist.
“So I think it will be a sonorous name. It does not necessarily mean that he was already a coach, maybe someone with less coaching experience, but someone of great reputation.”
