Novak Djokovic’s role for the remainder of his career is to influence the next generation to play the game at the highest level, according to Mats Wilander.
With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, the world No. 1 will be eager to add more silverware to his ever-bloated trophy cabinet – especially with Roger Federer long gone from the equation and Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray’s resistance weakening.
Carlos Alcaraz has become Djokovic’s fiercest competitor for the world’s top ranking, with Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev trying their hardest to keep up.
Throughout his career, Djokovic’s regular battles with Federer and Nadal have kept him focused – knowing any loss of form would be pounced upon by his nearest rivals.
Wilander worries the new flock of tennis talent might not be able to maintain the intense competitive edge to consistently be the best.
“I think one really important part of Novak Djokovic’s future to me – and I think this is something that the coach must stress to him – is that the importance of Novak Djokovic in today’s men’s game goes way beyond him winning 25 majors and being the best player in the world, even on paper, passing Margaret Court,” he said.
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“I think tactically, Novak Djokovic is so much more mature and so much better than the young players coming up, and they’re not going to ask each other those tactical questions.
“Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, for that matter. They’re still able to ask these young players these questions that Roger Federer asked to Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
“That would be the legacy of the great Roger Federer. He showed them that you need more than just hitting the tennis ball. You need way more. I think that’s the most important role for Novak Djokovic, in my eyes.
“I’m only looking at tennis hoping that it improves as a sport and the level becomes better and better. I’m not saying that’s how Novak Djokovic is going to win more majors, but I think for the development of those younger players, he is playing a massively important part.”
Djokovic will make his return to action at the Monte Carlo Masters, after withdrawing from the Miami Open.
Despite not officially hiring a replacement, Djokovic has been seen working with Nenad Zimonjic – someone Ivanisevic said could take his place.
Wilander thinks Zimonjic’s doubles background could bring a different dimension to Djokovic’s game.
He explained: “I think someone that is a doubles specialist, like a Nenad Zimonjic, I believe could most probably convince Novak to at least give a shot to coming to the net, serve and volley a little bit more, because that’s what he’s going to be good at or any coach that comes from that part of tennis.”
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With Djokovic reaching the twilight of his career, Wilander says it is not a time to experiment with coaches and with Zimonjic also being from Serbia, he thinks it could be a perfect match.
“Speaking the same language to me is massively important when you get a little bit older so that the coach can fit in, not just in Novak’s mind, but also within his family, with his kids, and that becomes part of the family, so to speak,” he added.
“This is not a relationship that’s going to last for 15 years. We’re talking about maybe 2-5 years. I think that to try and fit in a new person that speaks a different language is going to take too long. I love it if he goes with someone from back home.
“I don’t even care or I don’t think it’s important if that player is older or younger even than Novak Djokovic. I think that he has his team in place and he just needs some fresh ideas.”
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