Novak Djokovic is looking forward to life as a coach once he hangs up his racket – although that happening will not be any time soon.
Djokovic was talking to Serbian media after his Paris Masters triumph and was asked about coaching his opponent Daniil Medvedev.
“If I were to be his coach, there would not be much work to do,” he replied.
“Just kidding. He is one of the best players in the world at the moment. If he stays healthy, I expect him to be at the top for years to come and to win more slams. There is no doubt about that.”
Djokovic then added he did see a lifer after retirement as a coach.
“Yes, I see myself as a coach in the future. I truly love this sport,” he said.
“I do not love it only when I am winning; no, I love it when I am with my kids on the court, when I watch it live or on TV, and when I am trying to pass on my experience and knowledge to the upcoming players at Novak Tennis Centre, to which I am very committed.”
“Knowledge can be a curse if you do not use it, what is the point then? I mean, sure, I benefit from it, but what am I going to do with it afterwards – to take it with me to the grave, to say ’yes, I was the best’?
“No, I want others to have information about my career, my philosophy, approach, methodology of work etc.
“It is never too late, but it is never too early too. For me, it is logical in life, to pass on everything I have learned and accomplished. I see myself in different roles in the future and I would be glad to develop myself as a coach as well“.
