French Open: Why Did Novak Djokovic Pick an Employee as Coach? Desperate Paris Olympics Dream Behind This Choice Explored

The season of Novak Djokovic has been a very eventful one but for all the wrong reasons. Among them is his high-profile split with the then coach, Goran Ivanisevic. Earlier this season, the Serb announced an end to his long-time partnership with Ivanisevic, with whom Djokovic achieved tremendous success. However, the recent dip in form was seen as a major reason behind their separation. Ahead of the French Open, Djokovic has surprised one and all with his new coach.

Following his split with his countryman, Djokovic worked together with Nenad Zimonjic for a brief period. However, their partnership didn’t last long and Djokovic was seen with a new coach for the French Open. The Serb has appointed Boris Bosnjakovic, who is not very well known in the tennis circle like Ivanisevic and Zimonjic. However, Bosnjakovic was instrumental in guiding the Serbian Davis Cup team to glory in 2010, working with them as a Head Coach then.

Interestingly, that tournament remains Djokovic’s biggest achievement for his nation. The World Number 1 played an instrumental role in his team’s success at that Davis Cup tournament. While Djokovic joining hands with Bosnjakovic once again may surprise many, it is not the toughest of guesses with the Paris Olympics coming up.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will be eyeing a gold medal there and what better start to have than to team up with the coach who helped him achieve his biggest victory for Serbia? Additionally, Djokovic has known Bosnjakovic closely as the latter is also an active member of Djokovic’s tennis academy. The Serb hasn’t kept his coaching preferences a secret and ahead of the French Open, he opened up about his new partnership with Bosnjakovic.

Novak Djokovic defines the role of Boris Bosnjakovic

Djokovic is the top seed at the French Open and one of the favorites to win the title here. Ahead of his first-round match in Paris, the Serb talked about a change in his coaching team. While announcing the end of his partnership with Zimonjic, Djokovic revealed that he has joined hands with Bosnjakovic.

The Serb mentioned, “Since I separated from Goran Ivanisevic, I have never confirmed that I have a permanent coach. I said that Nenad Zimonji was there to help me as a friend and mentor, as someone I consider important in my life. Boris Bosnjakovic is part of my baggage team technician, so to speak, when it comes to analyzing my rivals, the matches and my game.”

Further, he went on to add, “We have been collaborating for several years in various roles and Boris was the head coach of the Novak Tennis Center. He will be my coach in Paris, he will work with me on analysis, preparation and tactics. As for what comes after this Grand Slam, I don’t have a long-term training solution at the moment.”

Djokovic will open his campaign against the local star, Pierre-Hugues Herbert later today. Can he clinch his 25th Grand Slam title at the ongoing French Open? Let us know your views in the comments below.