- Novak Djokovic is the modern-day tennis messiah
- He has 23 Grand Slams
- He is currently chasing his 24th Grand Slam at the US Open
With 23 Grand Slams to his name, Novak Djokovic is the modern-day tennis messiah who has mentored some of the best players there is now.
The Serbian is the only remaining tennis star of his time following the retirement of Roger Federer and the planned exit of Rafael Nadal in 2024. Federer and Nadal leave an indelible mark in tennis with their remarkable on-court achievements. A part of their legacy is mentoring other players in tennis.
Djokovic is also in this mix of mentoring fellow players although he is still an active player not ready to retire. Beyond his formidable forehand and impeccable court tactics, his commitment to nurturing young players underscores his dedication to the future of the sport. This article digs deep into the players he has mentored so far.
CARLOS ALCARAZ
Carlos Alcaraz. Photo/Deccan Herald
The 20-year-old Spaniard is angling himself as the next king of tennis and he credits it to Nadal and Djokovic. The thrill of seeing Nadal play at Roland Garros and earn a name as the king of clay pushed him to pursue his dream as a tennis player. However, Alcaraz speaks highly of Djokovic’s mentorship.
He credits Djokovic with helping him improve his game on all levels, from technique to tactics and mental toughness. Alcaraz adds that looking at Djokovic as a role model for helped a lot in his mentorship journey.
MIOMIR KECMANOVIC
Fellow Serbian tennis player, Miomir Kecmanovic is one of the notable players Djokovic has mentored. Kecmanovic burst onto the scene as a promising junior player, but the transition to the professional level is often a challenging one. Recognizing this, Djokovic took the young player under his wing, providing guidance and support.
DENIS SHAPOVALOV
In addition to mentoring players from his own country, Djokovic has extended his influence across borders. Canada’s rising star, Denis Shapovalov, is a beneficiary of Djokovic’s mentorship. Shapovalov’s aggressive playing style and raw talent draw a sharp comparison to Djokovic’s style.
ALEXEI POPYRIN
Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin is yet another talent the 36-year-old mentored. Hailing from Down Under, Popyrin possesses a powerful game and an abundance of potential. Djokovic’s mentoring gives Popyrin the needed confidence and physical toughness needed to navigate the intricacies of professional tennis. He has taught him how to manouvre physical demands to honing his mental resilience.
AMINE AHOUDA
Djokovic’s mentoring extends to athletes with various backgrounds and narratives off the court. Amine Ahouda, a young Moroccan player, is a good example. The Serbian’s support for athletes like Ahouda, who endure particular difficulties on their road to success, is a reflection of his commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
HAMAD MEDJEDOVIC
Hamad Medjedovic is a Montenegrin player currently ranked world No. 150. He took up Djokovic’s mentorship in 2021 and he reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open junior championships in 2020.
MARKO TOPO
Marko Topo in Belgrade. Photo/
Srdjan StevanovicStarsportphoto ©
Marko Topo is a Serbian player currently ranked world No. 253. He started training with Djokovic in 2020 and made it to the quarterfinals of the US Open junior championships in 2021.
OLGA DANILOVIC
Olga Danilovic is a female Serbian tennis star thriving under Djokovic’s mentorship since 2022. She made it to the second round of the US Open in 2022 which remains her best Grand Slam result to date.
Djokovic views mentorship as a selfless journey in sharing experiences and guiding young tennis players.
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