Novak Djokovic told by his ex-coach who should replace him as Andy Murray’s mum snubbed

Goran Ivanisevic has claimed that Nenad Zimonjic is the “perfect person” to replace him as Novak Djokovic’s next coach, having parted ways with the 24-time Grand Slam champion last month. Andy Murray’s mother Judy had been linked with the role, but a new leading candidate has been given Ivanisevic’s backing.

Reports in Serbia had claimed that Djokovic was considering Judy Murray as his new tennis coach, having spent six trophy-laden years with Ivanisevic. Amelie Mauresmo and Conchita Martinez were the two options named as favourites for the position, but Murray was also described as a candidate.

Whether she would be willing to work with her son’s rival remains to be seen, but Andy Murray has strongly hinted that he will retire soon and opens the path for his mum to work with Djokovic.

However, should Djokovic listen to his former coach then he will strongly consider Zimonjic instead of Murray, Mauresmo or Martinez. The pair have worked together on several occasions previously, with Zimonjic playing alongside Djokovic at the Davis Cup and coaching the Serbian team that won the 2020 ATP Cup.

And Ivanisevic believes that he could be the perfect foil for Djokovic due to their pre-existing relationship and the 36-year-old already having a finely-tuned game, despite a disappointing start to the season. Further highlighting Zimonjic’s suitability, he claimed that the experienced Serb would be able to handle Djokovic if he ‘went crazy’ while a new coach may be scared off.

“I don’t know for how much longer Novak plans to keep on playing, but the perfect person is with him at the moment – Ziki (Zimonjic),” Ivanisevic told Sport Klub. “He is a great friend of mine, we went through a lot together and I love him. He has vast tennis knowledge, but what is most important – he knows Novak really well.