As Novak Djokovic navigates a challenging 2025 season, the tennis world is abuzz with speculation about who will guide the 24-time Grand Slam champion in his quest for a record-breaking 25th major title. Following his recent split with Andy Murray after a six-month coaching stint, Djokovic finds himself at a crossroads, prompting former ATP professional Luke Saville to weigh in with insightful advice. Speaking on The Tennis podcast, Saville suggested two familiar names—Marián Vajda and Goran Ivanišević—as potential coaches to provide the stability and spark Djokovic needs to reclaim his dominance. This guidance comes at a pivotal moment, as the 37-year-old Serbian star grapples with early tournament exits and the relentless rise of younger rivals like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster, marked by a 12-7 record and no titles, a stark contrast to his three-major haul in 2023. His season began with promise under Murray’s guidance, reaching the Australian Open semifinals before retiring injured against Alexander Zverev. A final appearance at the Miami Open, where he fell to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, offered glimmers of hope, but subsequent first-round losses at Monte-Carlo and Madrid underscored his struggles. “I need more evidence before I can definitively say, ‘No, I don’t think so, the time is up,’” Saville remarked, refusing to write off Djokovic, whom he considers “the greatest player of all time.” Saville’s optimism hinges on Djokovic’s ability to rebound at Wimbledon or the US Open, where his experience and mental fortitude could shine, but he emphasized the need for a coach who can reignite the Serbian’s fire.
Saville’s suggestion of Vajda, who coached Djokovic to 20 of his Grand Slam titles, reflects a call for familiarity and proven success. Vajda’s long tenure, from 2006 to 2017 and again from 2018 to 2022, saw Djokovic dominate with an unmatched blend of precision and resilience. “It’s an interesting one because my mind went to the same place,” Saville said, pondering whether Vajda’s return could restore the “stability and solidarity” missing in Djokovic’s camp. Alternatively, Saville proposed Ivanišević, who guided Djokovic to 12 majors between 2018 and 2024, including a record-tying 22nd at the 2023 Australian Open. Ivanišević’s fiery personality and tactical acumen helped Djokovic navigate tough seasons, and Saville believes his return could be a “key ingredient” to counter the physical and mental toll of aging.
The decision to part ways with Murray, announced amicably on May 13, 2025, was mutual, with Djokovic expressing gratitude: “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun, and support over the last six months on and off the court—I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together.” Murray echoed the sentiment, saying, “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together, and thanks to his team for all their hard work.” Their collaboration, which began in November 2024, was a bold experiment, pairing two former rivals born a week apart in 1987. Murray’s high tennis IQ and data-driven approach offered fresh perspectives, but the partnership yielded only four tournaments, leaving Djokovic to seek a new voice as he prepares for the French Open and beyond.
Djokovic’s coaching history is a tapestry of bold choices, from Boris Becker’s transformative stint (2013-2016) to Andre Agassi’s brief, less successful tenure (2017-2018). His decision to go coachless after splitting with Ivanišević in March 2024, briefly working with Nenad Zimonjić, hinted at self-reliance, but Saville’s advice underscores the value of a trusted mentor. “I’m not going to say no,” Saville insisted, holding out hope for Djokovic’s resurgence, particularly at Wimbledon, where he reached the final in 2024. The Serbian’s ability to defy age—evidenced by his Olympic gold in 2024 and a career-best 430th major match at the 2025 Australian Open—fuels belief in his potential, provided the right coach can harness it.
As Djokovic eyes the Geneva Open and the French Open, where he’s a three-time champion, the tennis world watches closely. Saville’s call for a return to Vajda or Ivanišević reflects a broader sentiment: Djokovic needs a coach who understands his legacy and can navigate the twilight of his career. With Sinner and Alcaraz looming, the stakes are high, but Djokovic’s resolve remains unshaken. Whether he reunites with a past mentor or charts a new path, his next coaching decision will shape his pursuit of history, proving once again why he’s a legend who thrives under pressure.
Leave a Reply