Novak Djokovic begins training at Monte-Carlo with Nenad Zimonjic in tow after Goran Ivanisevic split, practices with Holger Rune ahead of comeback

As the 2024 Miami Open comes to a close, the ATP clay season is about to commence with the approaching Monte-Carlo Masters. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Novak Djokovic to the court.

The top-ranked player in the world was most recently seen in action at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where he was unexpectedly defeated by lucky loser Luca Nardi. Nardi surprised the Serb by defeating him 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the Round of 32.

On the first day of April, Djokovic was spotted practicing at Monte-Carlo with Nenad Zimonjic closely observing. Zimonjic, who is 47 years old, was a previous member of the Serbian national Davis Cup squad and has previously been Djokovic’s doubles partner.

The reason for his addition to the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s team is most likely to temporarily take on the role of coach following Djokovic’s recent split with Goran Ivanisevic. After a successful six-year partnership, Ivanisevic and the Serb ended their working relationship last week, during which time the World No. 1 achieved numerous accolades.

Upon being questioned about his future plans, Djokovic disclosed that he was uncertain and would update his supporters if he does decide to add a new coach to his team.

“I still don’t have a clear idea who a new coach would be, or whether there will be one at all. I’ve had coaches since I was a kid, now I am trying to feel by myself what I need, what I feel most comfortable with. You will be informed in case someone joins the team,” he said.

During his time at Monte-Carlo, Djokovic was seen practicing on the same court as Danish teenager Holger Rune. In his previous match at the Miami Open, 20-year-old Rune was defeated by Fabian Marozsan with a score of 6-1, 6-1.

Rune was the runner-up at the Monte-Carlo Masters last year, falling to Russia’s Andrey Rublev in a close match with a final score of 7-5, 2-6, 5-7. However, Djokovic’s performance at the 2023 Masters 1000 event was not as successful, as he was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Lorenzo Musetti in a three-set match.

Roger Federer’s record as oldest World No.1 in ATP history in jeopardy as Novak Djokovic rises in rankings

Novak Djokovic is on track to make history as the oldest ever World No.1 in ATP history, surpassing his long-time rival Roger Federer in the near future.

This Sunday, Djokovic will celebrate his 36th birthday and mark his 420th week at the number one spot on the ATP rankings. In 2018, Roger Federer had set the record for the oldest player to top the rankings at the age of 36 years and 320 days, and he held the No. 1 spot for the last time.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has surpassed all other players in history, both male and female, for the most weeks spent as the World No. 1. Additionally, he holds the record for the most year-end No. 1 rankings in the ATP.