Paris: Novak Djokovic’s decision to work with American great Andre Agassi at the French Open could be an inspired move as he seeks to recover his lost spark, according to John McEnroe.
The Serb’s insatiable appetite for Grand Slam titles appears to have waned since he won last year’s French Open to take his career haul to 12 with motivational issues and niggling injuries contributing to a surprising slump in form.
It is 47-year-old Agassi’s first taste of coaching at the top level and he follows the likes of Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Michael Chang and McEnroe himself into the players’ box.
“I was surprised, I had not heard any indication that Andre was looking to coach,” seven-time Grand Slam champion McEnroe, who worked with Canadian Milos Raonic at 2016 Wimbledon, told this agency.
“As far as being a brilliant tennis mind, and I know him well enough to know that he is, he loves the game and will leave no stone unturned as far as preparing for matches goes,” added McEnroe.
Agassi bloomed again after a mid-career slump that took him from World No.1 to outside the top 100 in 1997 and he returned to win the 1999 French Open and US Open titles.
Djokovic and Agassi are deep thinkers about the sport and McEnroe said that their partnership, however long it lasts, can be a meeting of minds. “First of all, Andre can bring a great respect. He’s one of the greatest players ever. To be around someone like that will be fun for Novak,” McEnroe pointed out.
“Secondly Andre analyses the game really well. He had that resurgence when he reached his 30s and added a couple of Grand Slam titles to his kitty. Djokovic is also plus-30, so Agassi’s advice will really help,” added the American.
Agencies
