Who Is Novak Djokovic’s Temporary Coach, Nenad Zimonjic? Everything to Know About This Serbian Tennis Legend

Novak Djokovic surprised the world with the news of his split with his coach, Goran Ivanišević after a partnership of 5 years. While the news of the split came out of nowhere, the two confirmed that they will remain close friends. As Djokovic announced the news during his absence at the Miami Open, there are already rumors of a new coach on the Serbinator’s team.

Nenad Zimonjić, former doubles number 1, is with Djokovic as he continues his current season, which is ringing bells of a possible new partnership. At the same time, Djoker fans are curious to know more about Zimonjić. So, let’s dig in!

Who is the new coach of Novak Djokovic?

Zimonjić became a professional tennis player in 1995 and was relatively unknown on the international stage, which changed after he won the mixed doubles at the 2004 Australian Open. He defeated defending champions Martina Navratilova and Leander Paes in straight sets in an hour and nine minutes, partnering for the first time with Russian Elena Bovina.

Born in Belgrade and raised in the Borča district Zimonjić currently resides in New Belgrade. His paternal line originates from the Gacko region of Herzegovina and settled in Vučkovica near Kragujevac. His mother was born in Gospić, Lika. In 2008, Zimonjić married Mina Knežević, a former model with whom he had twins Leon and Luna on December 3, 2008.

Zimonjić has not fared well on the single’s tour, with his best performance being the round 3 in the 1999 Wimbledon. The Serbian player has won 3 men’s doubles grand slams and 5 mixed doubles grand slams in his career. 47 years old, Zimonjić never announced an official retirement. His last official match came at the 2021 Dubai Tennis Championships. Since then, he has only played in the mixed invitational doubles events. 

Zimonjić was a captain of the Serbian Davis Cup team from 2003-2004, but since high-ranking Serbian players came about, he donned the role of a double’s specialist. Now, the 47-year-old player is likely to become Djokovic’s coach.

Nenad Zimonjić pseudo-coaching Djokovic

After splitting with Ivanišević, the Serbinator has not announced a new permanent coach in his team. However, fans have good reason to believe that Zimonjić will temporarily guide the player in the upcoming clay season. He was seen with Djokovic in Monte Carlo for the first clay Masters. One user wrote on ‘X’, “Former doubles #1 Nenad Zimonjić is in Monte Carlo with Djokovic, suggesting they’ve agreed to collaborate for at least a trial period. Whether it’s for the upcoming tournament alone or longer remains to be seen.”

Additionally, a picture from a training session shows Djokovic and Zimonjić with Patrick Mouratoglou and Holger Rune, who is also aiming to go big in Monte-Carlo. As per Olly, “Former doubles specialist Nenad Zimonjić will seemingly be acting as a ‘pseudo coach’ for Novak Djokovic, for now. Spotted in Monte Carlo today…”

As of now, any news pertaining to Djokovic’s coaching situation is pure conjecture. The player or Zimonjić has not confirmed the coaching role. But with the current situation, it is highly likely.

Read More – Novak Djokovic’s Split With Goran Ivanisevic Draws a Harsh Reaction From Jimmy Connors – ‘Always the Coach’s Fault’