"I never confirmed I have a permanent coach" - Novak Djokovic reveals new partnership at French Open 2024

Novak Djokovic recently opened up about his coaching situation for the 2024 French Open. The Serb hasn't had a permanent coach since his split with long-time partner Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year.

The Serb has been struggling with form this year and is yet to win a title due to which he decided to end his partnership with Ivanisevic, whom he has been with since 2018. The duo amassed 12 Grand Slams among many other accolades during their highly successful partnership.

During the Masters in Madrid and Rome, former Serbian player Nenad Zimonjic, the Serb's long-time friend was seen traveling with him. However, in a recent conversation, Djokovic revealed that he had not hired a full-time coach yet and said Zimonjic was traveling with him to support him as a friend and a mentor and also mentioned that he held the former doubles No. 1 in high regard.

“Since my split with Goran (Ivanisevic), I never confirmed that I have a permanent coach. I said that Nenad was there to help me as a friend and as a mentor, as someone who I regard important in my life," the World No. 1 said (via tennismajors.com).

Djokovic landed in Paris with Borris Bosnjakovic, who has been a part of his technical team for many years. The Serb revealed that Bosnjakovic will be his coach for the French Open and help him with various aspects of the game such as analysis, preparation, and tactics. As for what comes after, he said he had no solution for long-term coaching yet.

“Boris is a part of my technical team, so to say, when it comes to analysis of my rivals, matches and my own game. We’ve been cooperating for several years in various roles, Boris had been the head coach at Novak Tennis Centre.

"He is going to be my tennis coach in Paris, he will work with me on analysis, preparations and tactics. As for what comes after this tournament, I don’t have a long-term coaching solution at this moment."

---

Novak Djokovic to open his French Open title defense against Pierre-Hugues Herbert

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic will kick off his title defense in Paris against home favorite Pierre-Hugues Humbert. Though the Serb has been struggling with form, he has still managed to maintain his position as the World No. 1 meaning he will headline the top half as the top seed.

In the second round, he could meet the winner of Roberto Carballes Baena and Constant Lestienne following which he could meet Gael Monfils and Tommy Paul in the next two rounds respectively.

The Serb could face last year's finalist Casper Ruud or Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals and set up a potential blockbuster semifinal with Rafael Nadal or Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic will have to face the winner of the bottom half of the draw, who could be Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, or Andrey Rublev in the summit clash.