John McEnroe backs 'supercoach' Andre Agassi to help Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam form at French Open
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Updated 25/05/2017 at 13:55 GMT
Thursday’s practice sessions at the French Open saw a first glimpse of Novak Djokovic working with his new ‘supercoach’ Andre Agassi.
Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic
Image credit: Getty Images
The defending French Open Champion has seen his form dip dramatically since last season’s triumph at Roland Garros.
And the current world No 2 announced last week, following his loss to Alexander Zverev in the Italian Open final, that he has drafted in Agassi to help stop the rot.
Agassi, who won eight Grand Slams between 1992 and 2003, has not previously taken on coaching roles. So his decision to work with Novak came as a shock to some of the more prominent figures in the game – not least Eurosport’s John McEnroe.
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"I was surprised, I had not heard any indication that Andre was looking to coach," McEnroe said. "But as far as being a brilliant tennis mind, and I know him well enough to know that he is, he loves the game and will leave no stone unturned as far as preparing for matches goes."
Djokovic’s athletic style and decreasing results have led to speculation that either his age may be catching up with him or his motivation has dipped.
But McEnroe – who will be a part of Eurosport’s French Open coverage over the upcoming fortnight – says that Agassi will be the perfect advisor to halt Novak’s slide.
Andre had a renaissance later in his career, into his 30s where he had success late in his career. With Novak sort of hitting that peak by winning the French last year he has talked about some issues off court, some motivational issues, so perhaps Andre can give him an insight into an avenue, a way where to be more easily fired up. If his mind is into it he is going to win more majors.
And it's not just McEnroe who feels that the Djokovic-Agassi partnership might work wonders for the 30-year-old Serbian.
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Boris Becker, who worked with Djokovic for three years up until December 2016, says that the only negative with the decision is that it didn't happen earlier.
“Andre’s personality and character, his aura, the fact that he is involved in the Novak Djokovic foundation is very important, I think it’s an excellent fit,” Becker said, ahead his fortnight working for Eurosport's German coverage of the clay-court Grand Slam.
“Ideally I would have liked them to start in Monte Carlo and not for the first tournament to be in Roland Garros. It would have given them a bit more time to get used to each other.
“But I wish them all the luck in the world and hopefully they have a successful relationship. A lot depends on the next two weeks. But I know Andre very well. I think this could be a winning combination.”
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