NEW YORK – “I think you know who I’m talking about,” Novak Djokovic hinted to Serbian reporters while teasing a potential ‘bomb’ in the coaching department: Monica Seles.
Dušan Vemić, who was by Novak’s side at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, is no longer there, and Djokovic admits he’s at a stage of his career where long-term arrangements are off the table. Still, he remains open to occasional collaborations with big names.
“I’m smiling because it’s like you’ve read my mind, but I can’t tell you anything. I’ve been stirring the pot a little, talking… We’ll see, you’ll be informed,” Djokovic said with a grin when asked whether a replacement for Vemić is on the horizon, to a small group of Serbian press members, including CLAY, in an article also published by RG Media.
When will we know?
“We’ll see. These are just initial talks, and it’s more about the emotional aspect than a long-term partnership. That would mean a lot to me. I think you know who I’m talking about, but let’s not go into names now, so I don’t jump the gun. If it even happens… We’ve had some interesting conversations.”
That emotional dimension, plus the “I think you know who I’m talking about” line, didn’t require much detective work to lead to one name – yes, Monica Seles.
Djokovic on Seles in 2024: “One of my childhood heroes”
“I have had Monica in my head when I was growing up in Serbia pretty much every single day, because Jelena Gencic, my tennis mother, as I like to call her, worked with Monica when she was young. So I was hearing a lot about Monica, Monica this, Monica that, Monica eats this, Monica sleeps this much, Monica practices this way. So Monica was definitely one of my childhood idols and heroes, and I looked up to her very much“, said Djokovic during Australian Open 2024.
Earlier this year in Melbourne, speculation swirled about Djokovic’s short-lived collaboration with Andy Murray. Serbian journalists asked Novak if any women were on the list of candidates back then. His answer was no… but:
“The only one I could see myself working with is Monica Seles, now that you mention it. Actually, Monica has been a sort of mentor to me over the years. We’ve been in touch for a long time. Whenever I had injuries or when I was disqualified in the U.S., she always reached out in those tough moments, offering support and advice,” Djokovic revealed at the time.
No long-term coach on the horizon
Djokovic stressed that he’s not looking for a full-time coach.
“Honestly, I’m not seeking that. I’m at a stage of my career where I don’t feel the need to have someone with me 24/7 all year. My schedule is revised and significantly reduced. It’s hard for me to ask someone to commit full-time when I’m playing maybe two tournaments in two or three months. In our sport, that’s a tricky situation for a coach. I don’t feel it’s necessary right now, but I’d love to have some big names alongside me for a tournament or two—like Andy (Murray) earlier this year. I’m open to that. We’ll see—maybe it happens, maybe it doesn’t.”
Will Dušan Vemić return to the team?
“Dule is not with me now; maybe he’ll join for some tournaments in the future. Again, there’s no contract or long-term plan. It’s more occasional—if it suits both of us, we work together. For now, it’s just Boris (Bošnjaković) with me.”
Djokovic last played at Wimbledon. He opens his US Open campaign against world No. 48 Learner Tien, on Sunday night.
