“Since I separated from Goran Ivanisevic, I’ve by no means confirmed that I’ve a everlasting coach. I stated that Nenad Zimonji was there to assist me as a pal and mentor, as somebody I contemplate necessary in my life. Boris Bosnjakovic is a part of my baggage workforce technician, so to talk, in terms of analyzing my rivals, the matches and my recreation. We’ve got been collaborating for a number of years in varied roles and Boris was the pinnacle coach of the Novak Tennis Middle. He might be my coach in Paris, he’ll work with me on evaluation, preparation and techniques. As for what comes after this Grand Slam, I haven’t got a long-term coaching resolution in the meanwhile.”
Novak Djokovic has chosen to play the Roland Garros with one other coach, who will observe him within the Parisian fortnight along with Nenad Zimonjic, because the Serbian champion himself confirmed on the press convention on the eve of the French Open: that is Boris Bosnjakovic. That is the selection made by Nole, with the intention of going through the Parisian match in the absolute best approach. The Serbian champion revealed this just a few hours earlier than his first spherical, scheduled for Tuesday 28 Could in opposition to the Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert.Â
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The preparation carried out by Djokovic to get nearer to the French Main, of which he’s the defending champion for the title received in 2023, was not optimum. Semifinal in Monte-Carlo not significantly shining when it comes to play, solely two matches on the Italian Internationals, shedding clearly in opposition to the Chilean Tabilo and semifinal on the ATP 250 in Geneva final week: these have been the outcomes achieved by the Serbian on clay up to now. On the Roland Garros he should attempt to go all the way in which to take care of the primary rating. In Geneva, the Serbian champion hoped to have the ability to expertise per week as a protagonist to rediscover the correct sensations in view of the second Slam of the season and, as an alternative, the doubts multiplied. Djokovic solely performed nicely at instances, all the time leaving his opponents the prospect to make an affect from the baseline.
After the semi-final defeat, he analysed: “In fact I am frightened. This yr I have never performed nicely in any respect, aside from just a few video games. Issues are as they’re. I do not see myself as one of many favorites in Paris. I am going to attempt to take it recreation by recreation. I did not have night, right now was robust. I felt horrible within the first half of the match. I do not wish to take credit score away from Tomas, who deserved the victory, however I do not know what to consider my efficiency. I do not even understand how I managed to win the second set. I anticipated to play multiple match once I arrived right here: I performed three. However I want to really feel higher on the pitch, it is not nice to endure like this. It is onerous to concentrate on tennis when you could have different issues in your thoughts. I simply hope to be prepared and wholesome for the Roland Garros.”
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Within the media day press convention on the eve of the match, the Serbian defined: “I’ve low expectations and excessive hopes. I do know what I am able to and normally in Slams I play my finest tennis or not less than that is the aim. I wish to give my all right here at Paris, final yr was unbelievable and I hope to have an excellent match. These first 5 months of the season have definitely influenced me and I focus day-after-day on with the ability to develop type and momentum to go so far as doable. How do I take care of darkish instances? They’re obstacles, I would not name them darkish risks. We should all the time look forward, to the subsequent problem and to grasp what it takes to be higher than the earlier week.
That is the mentality I wish to keep, I do know my qualities and I do know that I can compete on the highest stage. I’ve received 24 Slams and I do know what I’ve to do to maneuver ahead. It’s a kind of match totally different from the others and sensations that no different match provides you. I am embarrassed to say what my expectations are however any end result apart from successful the title is just not passable. It could sound conceited however I believe my profession helps that. I play to remain on the highest ranges and attempt to write new pages within the historical past of sport, successful Paris is all the time necessary. These are my targets, however I’ve to decrease my expectations.”