8 brilliant minds who served as Novak Djokovic coaches

• Djokovic started playing tennis in 2003 when he was only 16 years old
• His father Srdjan Djokovic played a huge role in shaping his tennis career
• Today, Djokovic is synonymous with power, precision, and mental strength

Who are the brilliant minds who for two decades have served as Novak Djokovic coaches? He started playing tennis in 2003 when he was only 16 years old and 20 years later, it is all a fairy tale.

Although his father Srdjan Djokovic played a huge role in shaping his tennis career, his coaches have played a bigger role in making a star out of him. Today, Djokovic is synonymous with power, precision, and mental strength. He is a champion who has been shaped by great coaches.

Novak Djokovic Coaches

Djokovic has worked with some of the brightest brains in tennis each of whom has had a unique influence on his style of play and helped him achieve humongous success. They include the following

1. Jelena Genčić (Early Years)

Jelena Genčić was the first lady tennis coach to coach Novak Djokovic. Photo/Khaleej Times

Under Jelena Genčić’s careful supervision, Djokovic made his tennis debut in his home country of Serbia.  Genčić started teaching young Djokovic the principles of the game when he was just six years old, developing his undeveloped skills and setting the foundation for his future success.  Although it’s unclear how long they coached together, Genčić had a significant influence in igniting Djokovic’s love for the game.

2. Nikola Pilić (Junior Development)

The 36-year-old tennis star trained under famous Serbian coach Nikola Pilić from 1993 to 2001, under Genčić’s tutelage. Pilić, who was popular for emphasizing discipline and technique, improved Djokovic’s foundational game and fostered a strong work ethic.  Djokovic advanced through the junior divisions during this time, showing off his enormous potential and attaining notable success. As such, he forms the core of Novak Djokovic coaches.

3. Riccardo Piatti (Technical Refinement)

Djokovic relocated to the esteemed Mouratoglou Academy in France in 2001 as a 14-year-old to train with Riccardo Piatti. Djokovic’s defining weapon, the one-handed backhand, was honed in large part thanks to the creative tactics and emphasis on all-court play that Piatti brought to the game.  Their partnership continued through 2006 when Djokovic turned professional and won his first ATP title.

4. Marian Vajda (Professional Career)

In 2006, Djokovic and Slovakian coach Marian Vajda began a lengthy and productive working relationship just three years after starting his professional tennis career. Appearing calm and methodical, Vajda took over as Djokovic’s head coach, initially assisting Piatti before going it alone. Djokovic’s return game, tactical awareness, and mental toughness are all attributed to him. Over the course of their 15-year partnership, Vajda helped Djokovic win 10 Grand Slam titles.

Marian Vadja. Photo/Eurosport

As one of the most decorated Novak Djokovic coaches, Vadja helped Djokovic win his first Grand Slam at the 2008 Australian Open.  After they split up in 2021, Vajda continued to be Djokovic’s personal confidante and coach.

5. Gebhard Gritsch (Fitness and Conditioning)

Gebhard Gritsch joined Djokovic’s coaching staff in 2009 to enhance Vajda’s tactical knowledge.  In order to help Djokovic compete at the top level throughout demanding Grand Slam events, Gritsch, brought his fitness training knowledge. He concentrated on enhancing Djokovic’s physical conditioning and stamina.  He was instrumental in helping Djokovic reach his peak physical condition during his dominant years. Their partnership lasted until 2017.

6. Boris Becker (The Serve Technician)

Boris Becker. Photo/ESPN

The legendary Boris Becker joined Djokovic’s enlisted among Novak Djokovic coaches in 2013.  With an emphasis on strengthening Djokovic’s serve, the former six-time Grand Slam champion helped Djokovic sharpen his potent serve-and-volley technique.   Despite only staying for one season, this partnership gave Djokovic’s serve a considerable boost, making it a more formidable tool in his toolbox.

7.  Andre Agassi (Strategic Consultant)

While not a full-time coach, another tennis legend, Andre Agassi joined Djokovic’s coaching staff in 2018.  Particularly during important events, the eight-time Grand Slam champion provided Djokovic with insightful advice.  They worked together for a year, and it’s thought he helped Djokovic stay successful and improve his gameplay tactics.

8. Goran Ivanisevic (Serving Up Success)

Goran Ivanisevic with Novak Djokovic. Photo/Inside Sport

In 2019, Goran Ivanisevic, a legendary Croatian tennis player renowned for his strong serve, took over as Djokovic’s head coach when Agassi departed.  Ivanisevic’s impact was mostly concentrated on improving Djokovic’s serve, which helped him win the 2020 Australian Open with a record-breaking performance.  March 2024 marked the end of their cooperation as both parties looked for new challenges.