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Novak Djokovic is preparing for the US Open without a permanent coach, but his latest comments have sparked speculation about a surprising addition to his team. The 24-time Grand Slam champion made some hints and journalists concluded all signs pointed to Monica Seles.
Speaking to Serbian reporters in New York, Djokovic confirmed that Dusan Vemic, who was by his side at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, is currently not part of his team. Instead, he suggested that he may soon bring in someone unexpected.
“I’m smiling because it’s as if you’ve read my mind, but I can’t say anything yet,” Djokovic said with a grin. “There have been some conversations, we’ll see, you’ll be informed,” adding that it’s more about the emotional dimension than a long-term cooperation. Still, he emphasized that it would mean a lot to him.
“I think you know who I’m talking about, but I won’t mention names right now, so as not to do it prematurely. If it even comes to that… We’ve had some interesting discussions.”
Djokovic once said that the only female coach he could cooperate with was Seles:
“The only one I could imagine working with is Monica Seles, now that you’ve mentioned her. In fact, Monica has been an occasional mentor to me, and we’ve been in contact for many years. When I had injuries or when I was disqualified in the United States, she always reached out during those moments, offering her support and sharing her thoughts.”
Djokovic emphasized that at this stage of his career, he is not seeking a full-time coach. With a reduced tournament schedule, he sees more value in short-term collaborations with big names, similar to his brief stint with Andy Murray earlier this year.
“I’m not in a phase of my career where I feel the need to have someone with me 24/7,” Djokovic explained. “My schedule is smaller now, and it’s difficult to ask a coach to commit full-time when I play only a few events. But I’d love to have great champions join me for a tournament or two. I’m open to it—maybe it happens, maybe it doesn’t.”
For now, Boris Bosnjakovic remains in Djokovic’s corner, while Vemic’s return for future tournaments has not been ruled out. The biggest question, however, is whether Seles, an icon born in Novi Sad, Serbia, just an hour’s drive from Djokovic’s hometown of Belgrade, will step into the coaching role, even if only briefly.
Djokovic begins his US Open campaign against American teenager Learner Tien. Tennis fans will be watching closely to see whether a legendary figure like Seles might soon join him on the sidelines.
