Zverev Reveals He And Djokovic Have Coaching Agreement When Serbian Retires
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Alexander Zverev's chances of winning one or multiple Grand Slams could be improved if his recent words about Novak Djokovic being his coach in the future become a reality.
Djokovic and Zverev competed in an exhibition match ahead of the Australian Open. The 24-time major champion defeated the German, likely giving him a boost ahead of the first Grand Slam of 2025.
The tennis legend also beat Carlos Alcaraz in a practice set in Melbourne. The Guardian reported that the set between the rivals was intense and exceptional in quality, but Djokovic served better in the important moments.
The Guardian report also described the dynamic between Djokovic and his new coach, Andy Murray. Their partnership, announced in November, caused excitement across the tennis world because of the pair's rivalry.
Djokovic and Murray grew up together as junior players before facing each other in seven Grand Slam finals, five of which were won by the Serbian. That included triumphing in all four of their Australian Open finals.
Murray and Djokovic talked constantly during the changeovers of the practice session with Alcaraz. They discussed areas such as the correct forehand swing and split step timing.
Whether the partnership is successful remains to be seen. The initial announcement of Murray's appointment in November only confirmed a deal until the end of the Australian Open, but an extension was not ruled out.
Some feel Zverev needs a coach with experience of winning Grand Slams. He briefly had that with Ivan Lendl, who helped Murray win all three of his major titles, but that success was not replicated during a brief period with Zverev.
The German has been coached by his father for many years. While Zverev's outstanding career demonstrates the partnership has worked well, it is possible that a coach with Grand Slam-winning experience whom the world No. 2 connects with would make a positive impact.
Boris Becker, Zverev's compatriot and Novak Djokovic's former coach, is an option. The three-time Wimbledon champion recently said Zverev could use someone in his team with experience on the most significant stages to help him take the next step.
Zverev is open to Becker coaching him. However, the Olympic gold medalist stated that his compatriot would need to show he could travel regularly, something Becker could not do during a short-lived spell with Holger Rune.
However, Becker may not be needed when Djokovic retires if Zverev gets his wish. Last year's French Open runner-up said during an interview alongside Djokovic and Murray after his exhibition match with the former that the tennis legend agreed to coach him when he retires.
"People don't know that me and Novak, similar to Andy, I don't know, but me and Novak have a deal that once he retires from tennis he's gonna coach me for a year, as well. So he just wants to postpone this until I retire so he doesn't have to do that."
Zverev might have been joking, but a partnership with Djokovic in the future would create similar attention to the Serbian hiring Murray as his coach.
