Novak Djokovic’s Mentorship Journey with Nenad Zimonjic and the New Chapter with Andy Murray
In 2024, Novak Djokovic faced a period of uncertainty after a stellar 2023 season where he claimed three Grand Slam titles, two Masters 1000 titles, and the year-end Nitto ATP Finals. However, his 2024 campaign started with struggles, as Djokovic was ousted early at the Australian Open and shocked by Luca Nardi at Indian Wells. The inconsistent results led to the end of his coaching relationship with Goran Ivanisevic.
Seeking stability, Djokovic enlisted the help of Nenad Zimonjic, a close friend and former doubles World No. 1, to assist with his game for the Monte-Carlo Masters and Italian Open. Zimonjic, who has known Djokovic since he was 12, shared insights about their collaboration. In an interview with Ubitennis, Zimonjic revealed that when he started working with Djokovic earlier in the year, the Serbian legend seemed “lost” and unmotivated, facing a sharp contrast to his dominant 2023 form.
However, their partnership began to bear fruit quickly. Zimonjic’s guidance helped Djokovic improve his game, resulting in a semifinal appearance at Monte-Carlo and ultimately winning the Paris Olympic gold medal, which had been one of his major goals. Zimonjic praised Djokovic’s resilience and described their work as unexpectedly effective, noting how they managed to fix key issues in his game during a brief period.
As Djokovic’s 2024 season progressed, another significant announcement came when he revealed that former rival Andy Murray would be joining his team as a coach for the 2025 Australian Open. In a playful video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Djokovic welcomed Murray, saying, “He never liked retirement anyway.” The video underscored the deep mutual respect between the two champions, with Djokovic calling it “one final chapter” in their storied rivalry.
By the end of 2024, Djokovic finished the season at World No. 7, having withdrawn from the Nitto ATP Finals due to an injury. With Murray now by his side, the Serbian star aims to reclaim his spot at the top of the tennis world in 2025, making it an exciting new phase in his illustrious career.
