Jim Courier said he would be optimistic about Novak Djokovic’s chances of achieving more in his career if he hires a coach.
Jim Courier, Novak Djokovic (Images via On This Day, X)
Amidst the successes of the youngsters and Rafael Nadal‘s retirement, no one has forgotten Novak Djokovic, who former player Jim Courier believes is on the cusp of retirement. Djokovic achieved what he wanted the most this season, which was the Olympic gold medal.
But on the ATP Tour, he remained trophyless, failing to lift a Grand Slam title in a season for the first time since 2017. Twice he reached the final on the tour, at the Wimbledon and the Shanghai Masters, but was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, respectively.
Earlier this year, Djokovic parted ways with his longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic and is yet to hire a coach. If he doesn’t include a new coach, then Courier is ready to write him off.
Djokovic was last seen in action at the Shanghai Masters, and later, a few days before the start of the ATP Finals, he withdrew from the tournament due to injury. In an interview, Djokovic revealed that he has planned to play a tournament before participating at the Australian Open next year.
Novak Djokovic has everything in his game to win Grand Slam titles, but Jim Courier, like many others, believes the Serb needs the hunger that could help him play to his full potential and script more history in 2025.
Djokovic last lifted a Grand Slam trophy in the 2023 US Open, which was one of the three majors he lifted that year, failing to win just Wimbledon where he advanced to the final but was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz. At this year’s US Open, he could reach just the third round.