NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S HIRE OF AGASSI FOR FRENCH OPEN–AND BEYOND?–MET WITH PRAISE

Written by: Staff on 25th May 2017

French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros

NOVAK DJOKOVIC'S HIRE OF AGASSI FOR FRENCH OPEN--AND BEYOND?--MET WITH PRAISE

epa05989105 Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia returns the ball during a training session with his new coach Andre Agassi (R) of US few days ahead of the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 25 May 2017. EPA/YOAN VALAT |

By Ricky Dimon

Novak Djokovic’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia campaign ended with a dud, when he lost to Alexander Zverev in the final last Sunday. But news turned quickly from Djokovic’s on-court shortcomings to what could develop into much better news. Following his defeat, the world No. 2 announced that Andre Agassi is his new coach–at least for the French Open.

They will partner on a trial basis at Roland Garros before determining the extent of the player-coach relationship.

“That’s what I wanted to let you guys know,” Djokovic told the press in Rome last weekend. “I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone and we decided to get together in Paris. So he’s going to be there. We’ll see what future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us.

“We don’t have any long-term commitment. It’s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit. He will not stay the whole tournament; he’s going to stay only to a certain time and then we’ll see after that what’s going to happen.

“Obviously, Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player. He has been through everything that I’m going through.”

Like Djokovic, Agassi completed the career Grand Slam on the red clay of Paris–where he finally triumphed in 1999.

“I don’t know Andre that well, because it’s only (been) a couple weeks [since we began] communication. But I already feel like we are very kind of close to each other and creating this nice vibe.

“On the court, he understands the game amazingly well. I am enjoying every conversation that I have with him. But also, on the other hand, he’s someone that nurtures the family values, philanthropy work. He’s a very humble man; is very educated. He’s a person that can contribute to my life on and off the court a lot. I’m very excited to see what is ahead of us.”

Former pros expressed excitement, as well.

‘He hasn’t been able to find a way to get out of that funk he’s been in this year…so sometimes you have to take radical steps,” British star Greg Rusedski said after Djokovic split from his former team and before the Serb hired Agassi. “So I think he was right to let go of his team and do it alone for a little while, but Agassi would be the perfect match.

“(They are) two of the greatest returners of all time. Agassi was a guy who was very emotional out there and found a way to get back to the top of the game. In the beginning of his career he was in love, out of love with the sport and he maximized everything to the end of his career. If he can bring that experience that Novak is looking for at the moment into his game and his mindset, then I think there’s no better coach to have on your side.”

Boris Becker, who coached Djokovic for several years before exiting at the end of last season, agrees.

“Andre’s personality and character, his aura, (and) the fact that he is involved in the Novak Djokovic Foundation is very important,” Becker explained. “I think it’s an excellent fit. Ideally I would have liked them to start in Monte-Carlo and not for the first tournament to be in Roland Garros. It would have given them a bit more time to get used to each other.

“But I wish them all the luck in the world and hopefully they have a successful relationship. A lot depends on the next two weeks. But I know Andre very well. I think this could be a winning combination.”