World No. 1 Novak Djokovic could have a coaching job lined up in the future when he retires from playing tennis and his potential protege could be Denmark's rising star Holger Rune.
Speaking to reporters on ATP Finals Media Day, Djokovic was put on the spot on whether he could imagine himself coaching Rune after he brings the curtain down to his glittering playing career.
The Serbian star amusingly responded saying, "Umm. I don’t know how long he’s ready to play, you know, for that to happen. No, I’m kidding, umm.. look I don’t know, it seems a very, very far thought for now."
In the past, Djokovic revealed his long-term ambitions once he hangs up his racket, and he could see himself coaching in the future. He was quoted saying, "Knowledge can be a curse if you do not use it, what is the point then?" in response to his role in the sport once he retires.
As such, Djokovic intends to share his knowledge, methodology, tactics, and strategies that have helped shape him into becoming one of the greatest athletes in the modern era. It is still unclear how many years he will play at the top level, but he is not waning even as he approaches 37.
Djokovic and Rune have played some interesting battles already on the ATP Tour, as the Serbian won three of five meetings in the head-to-head, which have all gone the distance. The World No. 1 defeated the young upstart at the Paris Masters over a week ago en route to the title, in what was one of Rune's best performances this autumn.
The pair also clashed at the ATP Finals on Sunday, with Djokovic winning that match in three sets, and the presence of Boris Becker in Rune's camp added to the intrigue.
Obviously, Djokovic and Becker have a storied past as partners on tour. The German great coached Djokovic in the early phase of his dominant years between 2014 and 2016, winning six Grand Slams together and 14 Masters 1000s.
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