NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic kicked off his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday. While the straight-sets win was a dominant start, it was the 24-time major champion's post-match comments that sent ripples through the tennis world, as he revealed a surprising future ambition for when he eventually hangs up his racket.
In his on-court interview, Djokovic was in a reflective and generous mood. When asked by former player and commentator James Blake about his plans for retirement, the Serbian legend did not mention business ventures, commentary roles, or a quiet life away from the spotlight. Instead, he pointed directly towards the player's box and named his current coach, former world No. 8 Mario Ancic, as the one professional he would most like to mentor. "When I retire, I want to coach Mario Ancic," Djokovic said with a broad smile, eliciting a mix of laughter and applause from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
The remark, while delivered with a dose of humor, underscored the profound respect and unique bond between the two champions. Ancic, a former Croatian star whose own promising career was cut short by illness in 2010, has been a key part of Djokovic's team in recent months. Djokovic elaborated in his press conference, explaining that the comment was a heartfelt tribute to Ancic's intellect and character, qualities he believes are essential for coaching.
A Bond Forged in Mutual Respect
The relationship between Djokovic and Ancic is not new; it dates back to their playing days on the ATP Tour. Both are part of a small, elite group of players who achieved significant success at a young age. Ancic, famously, reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2004 at just 20 years old, defeating Roger Federer along the way. Djokovic noted that he always admired Ancic's professional demeanor and tactical understanding of the game, even as rivals.
"We've known each other for more than 20 years," Djokovic stated. "We were competitors, we played against each other on the tour. I always had a lot of respect for him. He was one of the few guys that was actually younger than me and already had a great professional approach." This shared history and mutual respect form the foundation of their current working relationship, which has quickly evolved into a strong partnership.
The Value of a "Big Brother" Figure
Since formally joining Team Djokovic, Ancic has been described as more than just a tactical advisor. Djokovic has referred to him as a "big brother" figure, offering a calming presence and a fresh perspective. In the high-pressure environment of professional tennis, especially for a player still competing at the very highest level into his late 30s, this psychological support is as valuable as any technical adjustment.
Djokovic detailed the specific qualities that make Ancic so special, highlighting a blend of personal and professional attributes that are rare to find:
- Empathy and Understanding: Having been a top player himself, Ancic intimately understands the pressures and challenges Djokovic faces.
- Tennis IQ: Djokovic praised Ancic's deep analytical mind and his ability to break down opponents' games.
- Communication Skills: The ability to convey complex ideas simply and effectively is a hallmark of a great coach.
- Personal Integrity: Djokovic values trust and character above all else in his inner circle.
"He's a very, very intelligent person, very smart, he speaks several languages, he's a lawyer," Djokovic said, referencing Ancic's second career after tennis. "He's done plenty of things in his life after his tennis career. I'm just impressed with his ability to be able to manage to be there for me... He's a great person, great family man. We connect on a very deep level, and that's why I want to coach him when I retire."
A Glimpse into Djokovic's Future
While the comment was playful, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Djokovic's mindset regarding life after tennis. His immediate goal remains clear: winning more Grand Slams and cementing his status as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). However, his revelation suggests that he sees his future remaining within the sport, likely in a capacity that allows him to give back and nurture talent, much like his former coach, the late Nikola Pilic, did for him.
Coaching a former peer like Ancic would be an unconventional path, but it aligns perfectly with Djokovic's history of challenging norms. It signifies a desire to work with a mature, intellectually equal partner rather than taking on a young prodigy. This potential future collaboration would be less about teaching fundamentals and more about a meeting of two great tennis minds to strategize and refine an already complete game.
Focus Remains on the Present in New York
For now, however, the focus for both men is squarely on the present. Djokovic's comprehensive victory over Kopriva was a statement of intent. He looked sharp, moved well, and displayed no signs of the recent wrist and knee concerns that had hampered his preparation for the final major of the year. With Ancic in his corner alongside longtime head coach Goran Ivanisevic, Djokovic appears poised for another deep run at Flushing Meadows.
The tennis world will be watching closely to see if this powerful player-coach duo can navigate the tough US Open draw. But beyond this tournament, Djokovic has given fans a captivating new narrative to follow for the years to come. The prospect of the sport's most successful male player turning his unparalleled wisdom and experience towards coaching one of the game's great intellects is a tantalizing promise for the future of tennis. For now, it seems Novak Djokovic's legacy, both on and off the court, is far from complete.