Novak Djokovic is navigating a period of inconsistency. Whether it’s injuries forcing him to withdraw from crucial tournaments like the French Open or the revolving door of new faces in his team, the Serbian maestro seems to be in a constant state of flux. And now, the latest speculations about his friend-turned-coach Nenad Zimonjic have further sparked the potential instability in Djokovic’s camp.

Djokovic partnered with Zimonjic this year itself, after he split with his long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic, after training with him for five years. He revealed that during his clay court preparation in Belgrade, his Davis Cup team-mate used to visit him and they shared some good times together. Nole asked him to join him for a couple of weeks more. Soon, he traveled with the Serb for the Monte Carlo Open and was reported to be his interim or ‘pseudo’ coach. But, the recent Wimbledon has raised speculations about their ongoing partnership.

Zimonjic was not seen even in a single match during the Wimbledon in Djokovic’s box. This has led many to consider that the interim partnership between the two might have come to an end. While there is no official information about his split up with Djokovic, his absence has created some suspicions. In fact, several major publications, in their reportage have claimed Zimonjic as the Serb’s ‘former coach,’ raising further questions about their partnership. Zimonjic’s absence is indeed surprising especially because of the high regard that the Serb shared for him.

In an interaction with Euro Sports, Djokovic revealed the importance of Nenad in his practice sessions. Calling him an elder brother, Djokovic revealed that Zimonjic is helping him with proper positioning when he approaches the net. “It’s something I’m not best at because I don’t play as many doubles matches.” However, despite the probable split up, the 48-year-old is all praises for his short-time mentee.

Speaking in an interview with Tennis Majors on July 9, Zimonjic revealed that all seems to be going in the right direction for Djokovic, especially after his injury-led comeback. “So far, we could see that he’s progressing and playing better and better, which is the sign that everything is going in a good direction.” He further continued that his skills are much better on grass. “I think grass suits his game because he plays pretty flat and the ball stays low, which is good for him. And he is an unbelievable mover. So physically, very fit, one of the quickest guys on tour.”

Despite his absence, Zimonjic’s support for the Serb does not seem to fade away even in controversial matters. 

Djokovic can use booing in his favor, believes Zimonjic

Zimonjic’s association with Djokovic is not new. He has not just trained the Serb but has also played alongside him. And hence, he is one of the closest persons who knows the Nole inside out. Speaking about the recent controversy during Djokovic’s fourth-round clash against Holger Rune, Zimonjic seemed to side with the Serb. 

For the unversed, Djokovic engaged in an ugly spat with the crowd after his fourth-round match against Rune on Centre Court. Djokovic was upset by some perceived boos after his match with Rune. To protest against the same, he hit back at the crowd by telling them to “have a goooooooood night,” in a similar booing gesture.

Speaking in the same interview, he said, “we played away when everybody was against us and they were cheering for all the mistakes.” Zimonjic explained that Djokovic does not mind such instances. Continuing further, he speculated that Djokovic would use these instances in his favor. “I know he’s very experienced and he can use it in his favour regardless what they do.”

As he prepares to play the finals, it will be interesting to see if he receives more backlash from the crowd, or if there will be changes in the situation.