Iconic Serbian coach on why firing Goran Ivanisevic was a great move by Novak Djokovic.
Prominent Serbian tennis coach Radmilo Armenulic believes that Novak Djokovic made the right choice in parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic. He clarified that Ivanisevic “likes fantasies” and said that the Serbian player might now consider the possibility of working with Ivan Lendl.
In the lead-up to the clay season, Djokovic made a significant decision by ending his partnership with Ivanisevic, whom he began working with in 2019. This decision came after the player’s unexpected defeat to qualifier Luca Nardi at the Indian Wells Masters and his disappointing loss in the Australian Open quarterfinal.
Together, they won 12 Grand Slams throughout their five years of dating. However, Djokovic’s 2024 season hasn’t gotten off to a good start as the 36-year-old’s play doesn’t seem to be clicking yet.
Ivanisevic was coached by Armenulic early in the Croatian’s career, and he also served as the Davis Cup captain for Yugoslavia and then Serbia. In response to a question about his feelings over Djokovic and Ivanisevic’s breakup, Armenulic stated that it was inevitable given that their collaboration had likely reached its limit.
“The outcome was determined. Ivanisevic is no longer able to provide Novak with the necessary attention. It is clear that there had been saturation and that the techniques were no longer in use. I believe Novak made the right choice. We’ll see how everything turns out. In my view, it will be,” Armenulic informed Kurir.
“Novak came to the realization that he needs to work on his serve, volley, and a few other key areas of his game.
Continuing to discuss the separation that took the tennis world by surprise, Armenulic made the intriguing observation that Ivanisevic “likes fantasies.” Although Armenulic did not say it explicitly, it is possible to use his remarks to suggest that the 2001 Wimbledon champion is a person with exaggerated beliefs.
“It was me, Goran! I’m really familiar with him. His fantasy-loving tendencies are not appropriate for a coach. particularly a coach who looks after the world’s greatest player. Furthermore, I don’t think he pays much attention to details during a tennis match,” Armenulic continued.
Armenulic isn’t worried that Djokovic doesn’t have a coach right now because he thinks the record 24-time Grand Slam winner already has a possible successor in mind. In response to a question regarding Djokovic’s next appointment, Armenulic stated he thought the Serb should begin working with eight-time Grand Slam winner Lendl.
Following a stellar tennis career, Lendl demonstrated his coaching abilities by helping Andy Murray win three Grand Slam championships. As you may recall, Murray had been unable to secure a Grand Slam title for years before signing with Lendl and experiencing his greatest Slam victory at the 2012 US Open.
“Ivan Lendl seems like the perfect fit. He was and still is a serious player.
