Djokovic Fires Team!

marc45 said:
column...

Help Wanted: Novak Djokovic Just Hit the Panic Button

Ben Stevens
-
May 5, 2017


To quote the legendary wordsmith Keanu Reeves: woah.

That’s the best way to sum up my initial reaction to Novak Djokovic’s decision to jettison his longtime coach Marian Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil-Gritsch and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic. It’s been apparent if not since his erratic finish to the 2016 season, then certainly after the dismal way he has begun 2017 the man is in a slide, but to see him enter what is arguably the most important four weeks of his career without a support team is a dramatic turn indeed.

Between Vajda, Phil-Gritsch and Amanovic, Djokovic has spent the better part of 29-years combined working himself into one of the greatest players in tennis history. It’s unlikely there’s anything about the Serb they don’t know – from his technique and mental approach, to which finger he picks his nose with, and yet clearly Djokovic believes that the team that got him all twelve of his grand slam titles is no longer working for him. He called the move “shock therapy”, and that might be an understatement.



Nevertheless, the tour rolls on, even if he now dives into the deep-end of the clay season with even more question marks, at a time when he really can’t afford to put a foot wrong. His victories in Paris and Madrid, and runner-up finish in Rome last year mean Djokovic is defending 3600 rankings points over the next month, approximately 45% of his 8085 total. If he doesn’t defend say, 2560 of those points (a masters title, a masters semi, and a RG final), not only will the number one ranking get further out of reach, but it will be almost impossible to refute the notion that the sun has set on the prime of his career.

The strange thing is, it’s really hard to tell what is causing this to happen. The familiar narrative of an aging superstar having his body betray him doesn’t quite fit the picture, given he’s already won a title over Andy Murray this year in Doha, and was a finalist as recently as two majors ago at the US Open. Neither September 2016 nor January 2017 were that long ago, he’s just made it seem that way with an erraticism as mystifying as it is frustrating. After all, it’s not like he’s suddenly been getting blown off the court, but the frequency of mini-implosions in matches has exponentially increased, and it’s hard to be the same impenetrable defender and surgical attacker when you’re battling yourself all the time. How not just his coach, but his physio and trainer fit into that I don’t know, but it seems they were given the boot in an attempt to correct that.

Of course, the question now is: who does he turn to? Perhaps it’s Pepe Imaz, the so-called “guru” who preaches peace, love, and telekinesis? The 42-year-old ex-pro first appeared in the Djokovic camp towards the end of 2016 and immediately met with widespread scorn, now he might have the keys to the car. It wouldn’t be that surprising now would it?

In any case, there is some good news for Djokovic. There’s been two main takeaways from the clay season so far – the first being Rafa’s back, but more importantly for Djokovic, no one’s stepped-up to challenge him. With Federer easing back and Murray somewhat less of a threat on clay, a good-not-great Djokovic remains the most likely opponent to face him in a final, and that leaves plenty of room for confidence-boosting wins along the way, should he be able to maintain his focus. In that respect, is having no team better than his old team? A tough question, but Djokovic seems to think so, and one way or another, it’s not going to take long to find out.
Click to expand...

Great point. Unfortunately for him, the mini implosions have occured at the worst possible moments.
 
There are both pros and cons, the pros are obvious and have already been cited by other posters agassi is someone who made an incredible comeback to the top of the game and maybe can make an impression on nole about what it took. There is compatibility game wise at many levels, so that is a plus too. Cons, Agassi was able to succeed because first his body was not as beaten up between 1996-1998, next he did not have the level of competition nole currently has with the exception of Sampras and to a lesser extent rafter and Hewitt. Nole is not getting any younger and Boris always emphasized "...if you can finish a point quickly why don't you do it?". Not only that his serving on both first and second was impenetrable and very difficult to attack. To do that, nole needs someone who understands the nuances at the highest level of the game and Boris was one clutch player (maybe not so much on clay excepting one Davis cup match where he saved 7 match points) Andre was no slouch and his serving was effective, but he wasn't Boris though they were both attacking players in their own right, and right now
 
Confusion or clarity? Why did Novak Djokovic split with his entire team?

Peter Bodo

ESPN

Novak Djokovic's career path, seemingly a runway toward the stars as little as 10 months ago, took another bizarre twist Friday when he fired his entire support team right before the start of what looks like the most critical series of tournaments that he has ever faced.

In a statement published on his website, Djokovic wrote that the parting was "mutually agreed," and he added flowery tributes to his longtime primary coach, Marian Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic. He wrote that the men "are my family and that will never change."

But the family isn't invited to Madrid or any of the tournaments thereafter, including the French Open. The latter is where Djokovic completed his long-sought career Grand Slam last June. It was his 14th major title, but instead of inspiring Djokovic to greater heights, it triggered an unexpected tailspin shaped by complicated personal as well as game-based issues.

Djokovic's latest reaction appears to be a decision to strip away all remnants of what might be described as his pre-2017 tennis life. He's decided to proceed without any formal coaching, as Roger Federer did for a significant periods before he hired Paul Annacone in 2010.

"I have been on the tour long enough to know how to manage daily routines, and I don't want to rush my decision," Djokovic announced. "I will be on the tour alone for a while with support of my family and management."

The timing may seem odd. But as Annacone, now a Tennis Channel analyst, told ESPN.com: "[Djokovic] is obviously cleaning house entirely. Usually you want to keep a confidant around, but even that's hard in an individual sport because it gets too intense."

But the "confidant" Annacone mentions is already there in the form of Djokovic's wife, Jelena. She's pregnant with the couple's second child. In a seemingly well-timed appearance, she was photographed in Madrid just the other day at one of her husband's practice sessions, her baby bump conspicuous. Perhaps the message Djokovic is sending with news of this shakeup and his altered family situation is that his wife is all the team he needs now. He's retreating into a simpler, family-based life. It's a credible move, given his recent history.

The source of Djokovic's troubles date back to July, when he was upset in the third round of Wimbledon amid questions surrounding his personal life. The story did not go away heading into the US Open, though Djokovic did make the final before falling to Stan Wawrinka.

This is the second surprising decision Djokovic has taken on the coaching front in less than six months. Last December, he unexpectedly parted with Boris Becker, the "supercoach" who overshadowed Vajda. Becker had shepherded Djokovic through his most productive period (six major title in three years).

Becker's initial reaction, like the rest of the team's present one, was thankfulness. But perhaps because he's a superstar himself, Becker soon told Sky Sports that Djokovic's problem at the end of the year had less to do with current No. 1 Andy Murray than Djokovic's own flagging work ethic.

Djokovic's loss of motivation after his Paris title last year continues to be an issue. He's won just one tournament in 2017, during the first week of the year. Worse yet, he hasn't looked like his impregnable self in his losses.

"Novak now gets out-rallied," Leif Shiras, a Tennis Channel commentator told ESPN.com. "That's significant for a guy without a big weapon, who once lived by his ability to finish."

"Mutually agreed" can be code for any number of things. In this case, it may be that, like Becker, Djokovic's team grew disenchanted with a drop in his level of dedication. But it's unusual for members of a support team to force a player's hand. They're there to help, and that's the same hand that holds their paychecks.

It's possible Djokovic's complicated inner life, which is influenced by guru-like mentor Pepe Imaz, now has little room left for the locker-room culture. It's likely this split was "mutually agreed" in the same way that you and the IRS jointly decide that you ought to pay your tax bill.

Seldom is it so difficult to tell if a decision is the result of great clarity or profound confusion. Djokovic's actions and results over the next few weeks probably will answer that one.
 
marc45 said:
But the family isn't invited to Madrid or any of the tournaments thereafter, including the French Open. The latter is where Djokovic completed his long-sought career Grand Slam last June. It was his 14th major title, but instead of inspiring Djokovic to greater heights, it triggered an unexpected tailspin shaped by complicated personal as well as game-based issues.
Click to expand...

Well, Bodo was clearly thinking about Rafa while writing this. :rolleyes:
 
when I posted the OP title, about Novak firing his team, I thought I could have stated it as a "mutual agreement" as Djokovic said..but Bodo brings up a good point, it could be fair to say the team "fired" Novak...we never really know everything that goes on behind the scenes
 
Marbella Spain,
"Novak Djokovic was involved in a minor car collision earlier this week - but was soon forgiven".
https://twitter.com/ZezeAM/status/860817095952650240


C_I8f1LXcAAl-Zt.jpg:large


Pepe Imaz :(:(:(:(:(:(:(
 
If Djokovic's team was a such big factor in his success then I suggest Dimitrov hires the whole team and see if he can get 7/8 slams out of it. But it's not. They were a great help, no doubt but it's the man himself who set the bar so high. Isn't it quite clear?

Djokovic has a great mind and he's very brave. He has dared and thrown himself into the complete unknown which isn't easy by any means. Most people like the known or conditioned environment even when it doesn't work out for them, because the unknown feels so scary but it is in the unknown where all the great potential lies and Djokovic is aware of it. No wonder he is so successful.
 
Mainad said:
Lol...this is the SECOND time that Bodo has promoted Djokovic to a 14 time Slam winner (he did it in an earlier article on Novak's ups and downs too) ! :D
Click to expand...

:eek:Haha, so it's confirmed Rafa is really in his head atm. He's not much of a Rafa's fan so I find this hilarious! :D
 
Last edited:
Pepe's advice to Nole was to probably sleep with her to make her happy over the car collision instead of soulless financial payment.
 
Woman: I'm so sorry. When I saw that stupid Amor y Paz logo on your car, I floored it towards you. Good thing my son told me to slow down, so that I only hit you lightly!

Nole: Oh that's alright, don't worry about it! Help me.
 
mossi said:
Marbella Spain,
"Novak Djokovic was involved in a minor car collision earlier this week - but was soon forgiven".
https://twitter.com/ZezeAM/status/860817095952650240


C_I8f1LXcAAl-Zt.jpg:large


Pepe Imaz :(:(:(:(:(:(:(
Click to expand...
Why.. is Novak driving around an Amor & Paz car? What is Amor Y Paz even? A brand, a slogan, a goal, a mantra?
Seriously, he could be driving around expensive cars but he's driving around like a freaking joke in that stupid car that I wouldn't even want to be caught dead in. He looks like he's a homeless person driving around the neighborhood selling flowers.
 
marc45 said:
Confusion or clarity? Why did Novak Djokovic split with his entire team?

Peter Bodo

ESPN

Novak Djokovic's career path, seemingly a runway toward the stars as little as 10 months ago, took another bizarre twist Friday when he fired his entire support team right before the start of what looks like the most critical series of tournaments that he has ever faced.

In a statement published on his website, Djokovic wrote that the parting was "mutually agreed," and he added flowery tributes to his longtime primary coach, Marian Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic. He wrote that the men "are my family and that will never change."

But the family isn't invited to Madrid or any of the tournaments thereafter, including the French Open. The latter is where Djokovic completed his long-sought career Grand Slam last June. It was his 14th major title, but instead of inspiring Djokovic to greater heights, it triggered an unexpected tailspin shaped by complicated personal as well as game-based issues.

Djokovic's latest reaction appears to be a decision to strip away all remnants of what might be described as his pre-2017 tennis life. He's decided to proceed without any formal coaching, as Roger Federer did for a significant periods before he hired Paul Annacone in 2010.

"I have been on the tour long enough to know how to manage daily routines, and I don't want to rush my decision," Djokovic announced. "I will be on the tour alone for a while with support of my family and management."

The timing may seem odd. But as Annacone, now a Tennis Channel analyst, told ESPN.com: "[Djokovic] is obviously cleaning house entirely. Usually you want to keep a confidant around, but even that's hard in an individual sport because it gets too intense."

But the "confidant" Annacone mentions is already there in the form of Djokovic's wife, Jelena. She's pregnant with the couple's second child. In a seemingly well-timed appearance, she was photographed in Madrid just the other day at one of her husband's practice sessions, her baby bump conspicuous. Perhaps the message Djokovic is sending with news of this shakeup and his altered family situation is that his wife is all the team he needs now. He's retreating into a simpler, family-based life. It's a credible move, given his recent history.

The source of Djokovic's troubles date back to July, when he was upset in the third round of Wimbledon amid questions surrounding his personal life. The story did not go away heading into the US Open, though Djokovic did make the final before falling to Stan Wawrinka.

This is the second surprising decision Djokovic has taken on the coaching front in less than six months. Last December, he unexpectedly parted with Boris Becker, the "supercoach" who overshadowed Vajda. Becker had shepherded Djokovic through his most productive period (six major title in three years).

Becker's initial reaction, like the rest of the team's present one, was thankfulness. But perhaps because he's a superstar himself, Becker soon told Sky Sports that Djokovic's problem at the end of the year had less to do with current No. 1 Andy Murray than Djokovic's own flagging work ethic.

Djokovic's loss of motivation after his Paris title last year continues to be an issue. He's won just one tournament in 2017, during the first week of the year. Worse yet, he hasn't looked like his impregnable self in his losses.

"Novak now gets out-rallied," Leif Shiras, a Tennis Channel commentator told ESPN.com. "That's significant for a guy without a big weapon, who once lived by his ability to finish."

"Mutually agreed" can be code for any number of things. In this case, it may be that, like Becker, Djokovic's team grew disenchanted with a drop in his level of dedication. But it's unusual for members of a support team to force a player's hand. They're there to help, and that's the same hand that holds their paychecks.

It's possible Djokovic's complicated inner life, which is influenced by guru-like mentor Pepe Imaz, now has little room left for the locker-room culture. It's likely this split was "mutually agreed" in the same way that you and the IRS jointly decide that you ought to pay your tax bill.

Seldom is it so difficult to tell if a decision is the result of great clarity or profound confusion. Djokovic's actions and results over the next few weeks probably will answer that one.
Click to expand...
Personally, I believe Novak has every right to lead his life the way he wants to, but he should not blame others for his lack of results and rather decide how much he wants it, and what he is willing to sacrifice to get there with his abilities.
Ultimately, he should decide what he wants whether it's results or happiness or both or none and the end of the day, it is his decision.
I love the statement Tim smyczek uttered..." Tennis is a meritocracy". That is so true in singles 1 on 1 competition. At the highest level of the game and nowadays it comes down to a few points which is the difference between winning and losing, unless one player is in the zone. At the end of the day the best player wins, physically, mentally, tactically. Simple as that.
 
marc45 said:
Confusion or clarity? Why did Novak Djokovic split with his entire team?

Peter Bodo

ESPN

Novak Djokovic's career path, seemingly a runway toward the stars as little as 10 months ago, took another bizarre twist Friday when he fired his entire support team right before the start of what looks like the most critical series of tournaments that he has ever faced.

In a statement published on his website, Djokovic wrote that the parting was "mutually agreed," and he added flowery tributes to his longtime primary coach, Marian Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic. He wrote that the men "are my family and that will never change."

But the family isn't invited to Madrid or any of the tournaments thereafter, including the French Open. The latter is where Djokovic completed his long-sought career Grand Slam last June. It was his 14th major title, but instead of inspiring Djokovic to greater heights, it triggered an unexpected tailspin shaped by complicated personal as well as game-based issues.

Djokovic's latest reaction appears to be a decision to strip away all remnants of what might be described as his pre-2017 tennis life. He's decided to proceed without any formal coaching, as Roger Federer did for a significant periods before he hired Paul Annacone in 2010.

"I have been on the tour long enough to know how to manage daily routines, and I don't want to rush my decision," Djokovic announced. "I will be on the tour alone for a while with support of my family and management."

The timing may seem odd. But as Annacone, now a Tennis Channel analyst, told ESPN.com: "[Djokovic] is obviously cleaning house entirely. Usually you want to keep a confidant around, but even that's hard in an individual sport because it gets too intense."

But the "confidant" Annacone mentions is already there in the form of Djokovic's wife, Jelena. She's pregnant with the couple's second child. In a seemingly well-timed appearance, she was photographed in Madrid just the other day at one of her husband's practice sessions, her baby bump conspicuous. Perhaps the message Djokovic is sending with news of this shakeup and his altered family situation is that his wife is all the team he needs now. He's retreating into a simpler, family-based life. It's a credible move, given his recent history.

The source of Djokovic's troubles date back to July, when he was upset in the third round of Wimbledon amid questions surrounding his personal life. The story did not go away heading into the US Open, though Djokovic did make the final before falling to Stan Wawrinka.

This is the second surprising decision Djokovic has taken on the coaching front in less than six months. Last December, he unexpectedly parted with Boris Becker, the "supercoach" who overshadowed Vajda. Becker had shepherded Djokovic through his most productive period (six major title in three years).

Becker's initial reaction, like the rest of the team's present one, was thankfulness. But perhaps because he's a superstar himself, Becker soon told Sky Sports that Djokovic's problem at the end of the year had less to do with current No. 1 Andy Murray than Djokovic's own flagging work ethic.

Djokovic's loss of motivation after his Paris title last year continues to be an issue. He's won just one tournament in 2017, during the first week of the year. Worse yet, he hasn't looked like his impregnable self in his losses.

"Novak now gets out-rallied," Leif Shiras, a Tennis Channel commentator told ESPN.com. "That's significant for a guy without a big weapon, who once lived by his ability to finish."

"Mutually agreed" can be code for any number of things. In this case, it may be that, like Becker, Djokovic's team grew disenchanted with a drop in his level of dedication. But it's unusual for members of a support team to force a player's hand. They're there to help, and that's the same hand that holds their paychecks.

It's possible Djokovic's complicated inner life, which is influenced by guru-like mentor Pepe Imaz, now has little room left for the locker-room culture. It's likely this split was "mutually agreed" in the same way that you and the IRS jointly decide that you ought to pay your tax bill.

Seldom is it so difficult to tell if a decision is the result of great clarity or profound confusion. Djokovic's actions and results over the next few weeks probably will answer that one.
Click to expand...

There's some truth in this article....but the description of the upcoming period as "the most critical series of tournaments he's ever faced"? These tournaments aren't particularly critical. Djokovic by winning a career slam and a non calendar slam at the French last year has cemented his place as a true great of the sport. He might crash and burn in the next 3 months, then come out in 2018 and reestablish himself as the dominant number 1. Federer and Nadal were supposedly washed up years ago. What this decision indicates to me is that Djokovic still has the hunger. A 30 year old with hunger and his level of ability will at some point reassert himself as a force to be reckoned with.
 
fundrazer said:
Which one is more likely? Novak on meldonium or Nadal being forced to change doping program because of the implementation of biological passports.
Click to expand...
Sometimes it's easier to be the hunter than the hunted, but it will take some effort on his part. Nothing will be easy, but he could do it though to stay at the very top year in year out is really not feasible imo, but that's another discussion.
 
joekapa said:
That is foolish to say the least. All he needed is a new head coach, who would of been able to turn him around psychologically. Firing his whole team is simply dumb.

I think there is WAY more to this than meets the eye.
Click to expand...
5f612895-7bf9-4edd-b5c2-a93e502d98b8-2060x1236.jpeg

From Pepe's perspective these blackhearts had to go. This is way more to this with such a mass firing.:confused:
 
cc0509 said:
We don't even know if Pepe is still on his team and if he is who cares? Djokovic runs his own show.

He'll likely come out of this crisis. The overreaction from loons (many are Djokovic "fans") on this forum who are trying to place blame on Djokovic's wife, brother, etc. is priceless. They should watch soap operas instead of watching tennis.
Click to expand...
We DO know that Pepe is still on his team. Pepe and his brothers are in Madrid. They ARE his team. For some reason you have long refused to believe the stories about the troubling influence Pepe has had on Novak and have called his fans 'loons'. Maybe his fans are following news about Novak much more than you are and actually know what they're talking about.

I'm not a Djokovic fan but I've heard many many stories about Novak and Jelena and how goofy they've been for the last year in public, especially in Serbia, and Pepe is in the middle of all of it. What's been posted on this forum is just a small sample of what's actually been going on.
 
Djokovic split from his team because he doesn't need a team anymore having declared that tennis is no longer his No 1 priority. Pepe has probably advised him to give his money to the poor instead of wasting his money paying people for something that is no longer his priority.

Novak Djokovic: 'Tennis is not my No. 1 priority anymore'
5 Mar 2017 - by Gatto Luigi

Since he became father, on October 21 2014, for Novak Djokovic results on the tennis court have been more than satisfying. Since last June after Roland Garros, despite he won two titles (Toronto and Doha), reached the US Open and Masters final, something changed in his game and mind. In a recent interview to the Serbian talk show RTS, Novak admitted: 'Tennis was my number one priority, when Stefan was not born. Now it’s completely opposite. I have a son, a wife, a family, and I am extremely grateful for the blessing of being a father. I’m at the stage where I’m trying to be the best possible husband, father and tennis player. It is challenging, but not impossible. Everyone is trying to be the best version of themselves. That’s the case with me as well. At the same time, I can not be at 100 percent every day in each role, although I try to give my best. I can not give as much anybody else expects of me. But, I can always give as much of I expect from myself.'

http://www.**************.org/news/...ovic-tennis-is-not-my-no-1-priority-anymore-/
 
Charleneriva said:
I have to admit I prefer it to stay that way as it's hillarious when it happens twice in a week. Plus it shows his ignorance and miserable "relationship" with Rafa (in his head). :D
Click to expand...
Annabel Croft is also one who always gets her facts wrong. She once said Marc Lopez had got a boost in his career when he won the Bronze Medal in Rio with Nadal. She also got a tweet from me; in fact she gets so many things wrong that I'm sure she knows my twitter name off by hear with the number of times I've had to correct her.
 
cc0509 said:
No. Andy Murray got rid of his whole coaching team a couple of years ago. It's a positive change and shows he's still motivated to find solutions.
Click to expand...
I can only say: time will tell. And no, I do not think this is a positive change - it rather resembles an act out of desperation.
But that's just my thought about it. ;)

The overreaction of some posters and supposed Djokovic fans on his thread is hilarious placing blame on his wife, etc. Mindless idiots. :oops:
Click to expand...
Totally agree re: blaming the wife. That's just far below the belt and nothing but nasty speculation based on gossip.

One might even call it out for what it is: pure misogyny.
 
tenisdecente said:
Idiotical decision to say the least. I guess he is done, because he is doing dumb movements like this. I am not sure which kind of role is having Jelena here, but should not be a good one. A good wife may led you to take good decisions, but a bad wife... can bury you inside a hole in the dirt.

Not very optimistic about Djokovic's future. I guess La Decima is almost in Nadal's pocket (insert @Meles comment here "unless Thiem makes a deep run in his beloved clay" :D)
Click to expand...
I had Thiem beating Djoko in the Madrid final given the draw. Now I've changed Madrid to an El Thiemimo event.:D
 
clayqueen said:
Djokovic split from his team because he doesn't need a team anymore having declared that tennis is no longer his No 1 priority. Pepe has probably advised him to give his money to the poor instead of wasting his money paying people for something that is no longer his priority.

Novak Djokovic: 'Tennis is not my No. 1 priority anymore'
5 Mar 2017 - by Gatto Luigi
Click to expand...


All future Novak related threads in the FORMER pro player section, please, people. :D :D
 
clayqueen said:
Annabel Croft is also one who always gets her facts wrong. She once said Marc Lopez had got a boost in his career when he won the Bronze Medal in Rio with Nadal. She also got a tweet from me; in fact she gets so many things wrong that I'm sure she knows my twitter name off by hear with the number of times I've had to correct her.
Click to expand...

Nice to look at though, even if she does get mixed up with the odd factoid now and again! ;)
 
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