Agassi addition psyches Novak for Paris push Serb appoints American great as coach for Roland Garros defense
ROME — Novak Djokovic revealed on Sunday that American great Andre Agassi willbehiscoachfortheFrench Open, but said a “long-term commitment” has not been agreed yet.
“I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he is going be there,” said Djokovic., who was beaten 6-4, 6-3 in the Rome Masters final on Sunday by 20-year-old German Alexander Zverev.
“We’ll see what the future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us.
“We don’t have any longterm commitment. It’s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit.”
Djokovic returns to Paris next weekend as the defending champion but looking to improve his clay-court game after an inconsistent spell.
He parted with long-time coach Marian Vajda earlier this month, having also ended a three-year relationship with six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker at the end of last season in a bid to get back to his best.
Becker backed Djokovic’s decision on Twitter.
“Excellent choice from @DjokerNole for bringing @AndreAgassi into his team! Wishing both lots of luck in the future together!” the German tweeted.
Given his performances of late, Djokovic will be hoping 47-year-old Agassi, an eighttime Grand Slam champion, can make a positive contribution.
The Serb was outplayed by Spanish nemesis Rafa Nadal on his way to defeat in the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters last week.
And despite reaching the final in Rome on Sunday, Djokoviclookedwellbelowhis clinical best before losing to Zverev in one hour 21 minutes.
NextupishisRolandGarros title defense, and Djokovic added: “He (Agassi) will not stay the whole tournament. He’s going to stay only to a certain time, and then we’ll see after that what’s going to happen.
“Obviously, Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player. He has been through everything that I’m going through.
“You know, on the court he understands the game amazingly well. I am enjoying every conversation that I have with him. But also, on the other hand, he’s someone that nurtures family values.
“He’s a very humble man, is very educated. You know, he’s a person that can contribute to my life on and off the court a lot. I’m very excited to see what is ahead of us.”
Agassi, unlike television pundit Becker, has been away from the sport for a considerabletimehavingretiredin2006.
Djokovic was thrilled to get 1999 French Open champion Agassi on board. “I persuaded him,” he said. He’s someone that has been so successful in tennis, and he’s a legend of our sport.
“He’s made a mark in this sport forever. He’s won everything there is to win.
“You know, he was a revolutionary player because he had this charisma, he had this, you know, approach to tennis and to life that was quite different from others.
“That’s why he was so interesting. Yes, he has been away from the tour for last 10, 15 years, but speaking with him, he’sbeendefinitelyfollowingall the matches closely, the big matches, especially on the TV.”
“It was his call whether or not he wants to take that step and, you know, try to work with me.
“He has accepted it, and I’m very grateful for that. It’s exciting, of course. I’m very happy about it.”