Novak Djokovic, surprise move to beat Jannik Sinner in Paris
New chapter in Novak Djokovic’s career. Just days before the start of Roland Garros, the Serbian champion has announced a major change in his coaching staff: the new coach will be Viktor Troicki, former world number 12 and Nole’s longtime teammate with Serbia in the Davis Cup. It is a choice that marks a significant turning point in the preparation of the number 4 in the ATP ranking, who is determined to relaunch himself in the race for Slams and to make an assault on the 25th Major title of his extraordinary career.
The announcement came directly from Djokovic’s social profiles on Wednesday, May 20. The Serb posted a photo on Instagram of him hugging Troicki in a Serbian national team jersey, accompanying it with a simple but meaningful message, “Welcome my friend, teammate and now coach…Viktor Troicki.” Words that tell not only a professional partnership, but also a human relationship consolidated by years of shared success.
Djokovic and Troicki have indeed written important pages of Serbian tennis together. Partners in numerous Davis Cup campaigns, they experienced one of the most iconic moments in Balkan sport in 2010, when Serbia won the salad bowl for the first time in its history by beating France in the final. On that occasion Troicki starred in the deciding point, while Djokovic led the team as an absolute leader. A bond built over time, between victories, battles on the court and a deep mutual trust.
The choice to rely on Troicki comes at a delicate moment in Djokovic’s season. After complicated months marked by fluctuating results and a physical condition that is not always impeccable, the Serb wants to regain momentum precisely on the red clay of Paris, a tournament that in recent years has often been one of the great goals of his season. At Roland Garros, however, the competition will be tough, starting with Jannik Sinner, now firmly among the absolute stars of the circuit and indicated by many as the main rival of the new generation.
For Djokovic, Troicki’s arrival could represent not only a technical change, but also an emotional and strategic choice. Having worked over the years with historical figures such as Marian Vajda and Goran Ivanisevic, Nole has decided to bet on someone who is fully familiar with his character, his method of work and the pressures of the world elite. Troicki, for his part, brings with him international experience both as a player and as captain of Serbia in the Davis Cup, as well as an in-depth knowledge of modern tennis.
The goal remains crystal clear: to return to winning a Slam and further lengthen an already unrepeatable palmarès. In Paris, Djokovic will try to chase another piece of history, with a familiar face and a longtime friend at his side ready to accompany him on a new challenge.
