As the tennis world descends on Paris for the 2025 French Open, Novak Djokovic has sent shockwaves through the sport with a bold coaching announcement that signals his intent to reclaim the Roland Garros crown. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who turns 38 on May 22, 2025, revealed in a press conference at the Geneva Open that Dusan Vemic, a long-time associate and former doubles partner, will join his team as coach for both the Geneva tournament and the upcoming French Open, alongside assistant coach and analyst Boris Bosnjakovic. This move follows Djokovic’s surprising split with Andy Murray, his coach of six months, and marks a return to familiar faces as he aims to capture a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. “Dusan Vemic, who is actually [the Serbian Billie Jean King] Cup captain — but he was part of my coaching team years ago with Marian — he’s here, so he’s going to be here with me in Geneva and Roland Garros,” Djokovic said, emphasizing the comfort of working with trusted allies.
The decision to bring Vemic back into the fold is no small matter. Vemic, a 48-year-old former professional who competed at Roland Garros during his playing career, previously worked with Djokovic from 2011 to 2013 and again in 2016, periods that coincided with some of the Serb’s most dominant seasons, including multiple Grand Slam triumphs and the 2016 Miami Open title. “It was nice at Koutnjak. It’s always nice to be among my people. It gives me motivation to continue,” Djokovic shared, reflecting on his recent training in Serbia. Vemic’s familiarity with Djokovic’s game, particularly his aggressive baseline play and pinpoint backhand, makes him a strategic choice for the grueling clay courts of Paris. Bosnjakovic, a long-time analyst and assistant coach who has served as head coach at the Novak Tennis Centre, will share coaching duties, focusing on tactical analysis and match preparation. “Boris Bosnjakovic, who is my assistant coach and analyst as well, so they’re both going to kind of share that role for the next couple tournaments,” Djokovic explained, keeping his options open with a measured approach: “I’m not in a hurry to choose, or to know if I’ll have someone else by my side or not. I don’t know. I feel good with them.”
Djokovic’s coaching shake-up comes at a critical juncture. His 2025 season has been uncharacteristically turbulent, with a 12-7 record and no titles, a stark contrast to his 2024 Olympic gold medal triumph over Carlos Alcaraz in Paris. Early exits in Monte-Carlo and Madrid, both on clay, exposed vulnerabilities, with straight-sets losses to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi. “I don’t see myself as a favourite in Paris,” Djokovic admitted after a semifinal loss to Tomas Machac in Geneva, where he struggled physically. Despite these setbacks, his Australian Open semifinal run, highlighted by a gritty four-set win over Alcaraz, proved he remains a formidable force. “I know what I’m capable of,” he said, underscoring his belief in competing for majors. The Geneva Open, where he faces Marton Fucsovics in the second round, serves as a final tune-up before Roland Garros, where he is the defending champion from 2023 and a three-time winner.
The split with Murray, announced on May 13, was mutual but unexpected, given their promising start. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, brought a champion’s mentality to Djokovic’s team, with the Serb praising him as a “brilliant mind.” “Thank you, Coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun and support over last six months on and off the court—really enjoyed deepening our friendship together,” Djokovic said, while Murray echoed, “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together.” Their partnership yielded a memorable Australian Open quarterfinal win over Alcaraz, but injuries, including a leg issue in Melbourne and an eye infection in Miami, derailed Djokovic’s campaign. Fans on social media buzzed with reactions, with one post noting, “Vemic and Djokovic previously worked together in 2011 and 2013 — the old partnership is back!” as excitement builds for his Roland Garros bid.
Djokovic’s choice of Vemic and Bosnjakovic reflects a desire for stability as he chases history. With Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem retired, he faces a new generation led by Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, seeded No. 2 and No. 1 at Roland Garros. A 25th Grand Slam would surpass Margaret Court’s record, a milestone Djokovic is acutely aware of. “I play to stay at the highest levels and try to write new pages in the history of sport,” he said, his focus unwavering despite a dip in form. As he steps onto the red clay of Court Philippe-Chatrier, where he lay face-down in tears after his 2024 Olympic triumph, Djokovic’s new coaching setup and relentless drive make him a wildcard to watch in Paris.
# Djokovic Reunites with Vemic for Roland Garros Glory Bid
## A Strategic Coaching Shift
Novak Djokovic has unveiled Dusan Vemic and Boris Bosnjakovic as his coaches for the 2025 Geneva Open and Roland Garros, following his split with Andy Murray. “Dusan Vemic, who was part of my coaching team years ago with Marian — he’s here, so he’s going to be here with me in Geneva and Roland Garros,” Djokovic said, with Bosnjakovic sharing duties. “I’m not in a hurry to choose,” he added, signaling a flexible approach.
## Vemic’s Proven Track Record
Vemic, a former Roland Garros player, coached Djokovic during dominant 2011-2013 and 2016 seasons, including multiple Grand Slams. “It was nice at Koutnjak. It’s always nice to be among my people,” Djokovic said of training in Serbia. Bosnjakovic, a long-time analyst, will focus on tactics. Their familiarity could stabilize Djokovic’s game after a 12-7 season with no titles.
## A Challenging Season
Djokovic’s 2025 has been turbulent, with early clay-court exits in Monte-Carlo and Madrid. “I don’t see myself as a favourite in Paris,” he admitted after a Geneva loss. Yet, his Australian Open win over Alcaraz showed his fight. “I know what I’m capable of,” he said, eyeing a 25th Grand Slam to break Margaret Court’s record.
## Moving Forward
The mutual split with Murray, whom Djokovic called a “brilliant mind,” followed a promising but injury-plagued partnership. “Thank you, Coach Andy, for all the hard work,” Djokovic said. With Vemic and Bosnjakovic, he aims to reclaim his 2023 Roland Garros form, facing Marton Fucsovics in Geneva as a final tune-up for Paris.
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