“Coaching Novak wouldn’t be the easiest job in the world,” Novak Djokovic’s split with Goran Ivanisevic comes as a shock to Sam Stosur who analyses the ‘unusual position’

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic sent shockwaves through tennis circles after announcing his split with Goran Ivanisevic on March 27. The two had one of the most successful partnerships as the Croatian helped him win 12 singles Major titles in just six years.

Before Ivanisevic, Nole had won 12 Grand Slam singles titles. It was a tough time for him, as he was crippled with injuries. Had it not been for his wife, Jelena, the Serb would have retired. But he continued to fight, and with Ivanisevic’s guidance, he raced to 24 singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. 

As Nole announced the decision to part ways, there has been a lot of speculation on what the real reason was. In the Instagram post by the reigning French Open winner, he hinted at ‘ups and downs‘ between the two. But he didn’t give further details as he thanked the 2001 Wimbledon winner for his contributions. 

As fans, experts, and analysts continue to ponder what transpired behind the decision, Australian doubles specialist Samantha Stosur also offered her two cents on the topic. She commented on the challenge of a long-time coaching relationship and what could have possibly led to the decision to split. 

Coaching relationships do have that time frame. You spend a lot of time together on and off the court. Sometimes hearing that different voice, might be the same messaging, but just hearing it from someone different, said slightly differently, who knows? But coaching Novak wouldn't be the easiest job in the world. 

Said Stosur speaking on the AO Show.

Stosur further emphasized the pressure Ivanisevic would have been under, particularly this season. With Djokovic one of the favorites for any event he plays in, no title till March is not something anyone would have expected. As per the Aussie, it might have also impacted the decision to part ways. 

You are expected to win every week of the year. So if you lose a couple of matches, it's like oh my gosh, what's going on? Whereas, that's such an unusual position to be in. He's expected to win every single week. So there's a lot of pressure on the coach. 

Added Stosur.

Novak Djokovic is yet to announce a replacement

With Ivanisevic out, the replacement for him is yet to be announced by the Serb. While fans jokingly claimed Roger Federer could take charge of one of his greatest rivals, it seems highly unlikely. Former coach Boris Becker is also not in contention given his travel ban due to his tax evasion case.

It was one of the big reasons he was let go by Holger Rune. Marian Vajda, who guided Nole to 20 of his 24 Grand Slam singles titles, is currently employed by compatriot Alex Molcan, shooting down his chance of returning as well.

Nole had hired Andre Agassi as well, but that arrangement lasted only for a year. Although he could make a return now, given that the American isn’t currently coaching any players, However, the decision will be based on the ambition the Serb has for the remainder of his career. 

With reports of him splitting with Ivanisevic due to disagreements on Olympic participation, the player and the coach need to be on the same page. With Nole prioritizing just Grand Slam titles and big titles, he would need someone who believes in the same vision too.

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