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'Novak has been used to having a guy who has won Grand Slams,' Boris Becker surprised by Novak Djokovic’s decision to split up with Goran Ivanisevic

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gerard Crispin | Last updated 5/24/24

Novak Djokovic is going through one of the toughest phases of his career this season. His decision to split with long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic still raises concerns from legends of the game. One of them is Boris Becker , his former coach, who believes the Serbian’s split with Ivanisevic has come at the wrong time.

Though Djokovic has gotten a stand-in coach Nenad Zimonjic, his Serbian Davis Cup teammate, it may not be enough for the 37-year-old who needs to be able to remain motivated. On the other hand, Djokovic’s dip in form this season was less than expected. The Serbian dominated the 2023 season winning three Grand Slams but has looked a bit rusty this year.

Ever since he lost to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open, the Serb was stung by something that has left fans and pundits puzzled over the months. He tried regrouping at the Indian Wells Masters but after a third-round exit, he decided to split with Goran Ivanisevic who won 12 Grand Slams with him.

This move came as a surprise to many but Djokovic looked unperturbed. However, he couldn’t find his form immediately. A semifinal exit at the Monte Carlo and another third-round exit in Rome now places his No.1 position at risk. But, three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker believes that it would have been better if Djokovic had split with Ivanisevic in November or December last year.

But normally you make this kind of change in November, December. So to do this in March was surprising for me.Even Novak needs words of wisdom from time to time. Not every day, but in important moments and usually a Grand Slam is an important moment for him. So I’m surprised by the situation right now. I know Zimo (Nenad Zimonjic) and he knows a lot about tennis, but Novak has been used to having a guy in his corner like Goran or me who has won Grand Slams. So it’s a different approach you have with a player. Boris Becker said via tennis365

Meanwhile, Djokovic is seeking redemption at the ATP 250 Geneva Open. He hopes to use the tournament as a great preparation ahead of the French Open.

Novak Djokovic reaches semifinals of the Geneva Open after last-minute wildcard

Novak Djokovic defeated Dutch big server Tallon Griekspoor to reach the semifinals of the Geneva Open. The Serbian acceptance of a last-minute wildcard seems to have paid off as he looks set for his first final of the season.

Against Griekspoor, the Serbian began slowly. However, he showed dominance winning 7-5, 6-1, with the second set lasting only 25 minutes.

He will face Czech star Tomas Machac in the semifinals today, as he hopes to win his first title of the season. Machac is coming off a straight-set win over Alex Michelsen.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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