Renowned coach Rick Macci believes a new coach will not make much difference to Novak Djokovic at this stage of his career.
Macci who has formerly coached Serena and Venus William among other big stars, recognized a coach can assist Djokovic in terms of motivation and strategy but the rest will be up to the Serbian to execute. Djokovic announced his surprise split with coach Goran Ivanisevic last month as their successful partnership that started in 2019 and saw many successes came to an end.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is currently working with fellow Serbian and former doubles #1 Nenad Zimonjic since parting ways with Croat coach. Zimonjic coached Djokovic at last week’s Monte Carlo Masters.
Djokovic reached the semis in the Monte Carlos and is next set to compete at the Madrid Masters although he didn’t play the event last year.
Macci compared Djokovic’s condition to something experienced by Serena Williams in the latter stages of his career as he asserted that coaches cannot impact the games of the stars in a big way when they have already achieved everything in their careers.
“Right now, I don’t think a coach can make that much difference. It’s even, you know, when Serena already had 12 Grand Slams in her pockets and she started being coached,” said the 69 year-old while talking to Sportskeeda.
“I think it can help you motivation wise and strategy. But, listen, he is on third base. He is heading towards home. I don’t think a coach can make that much difference.
“But, if it’s a subtle little thing, how they say it, why they say it and can get you to do something, because it comes down to key moments, especially in men’s tennis,.
“He knew the guy he selected. Obviously, they go way back in time and at the end of the day, he is the one out there pulling a trigger. So, it really comes down to him and if he stays healthy, I think he can win a handful of more Grand Slams.”
Macci also discussed the prospect of him coaching Djokovic who turns 37 next month.
“Well, first of, if he would have approached me, we would have had to have a long talk because I have to know exactly what he wanted from a coach. I don’t travel,” the American explained.
“I’ve always said I’d rather build the box than sit in the box. It’s more strategic. It’s more motivation. Technically or biomechanically, he is not gonna change anything.
“If he would’ve asked me, I definitely would have been involved. But, I couldn’t travel. Maybe I could’ve went to a Grand Slam, but at the end of the day, I run a business, I teach 50 hours a week to many people on the pro tour, kids, adults, and I just do what I do.”
Macci has involved in the career of the five former World No. 1s including Serena and Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Jennifer Capriati. He has also worked with the WTA stars Sofia Kenin, Anastasia Myskina and Mary Pierce.