Tennis News Today: Novak Djokovic’s ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic discusses Nenad Zimonjic being right pick as successor; James Blake hits back at pickleball pro over tennis comparison

Novak Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, supported his fellow countryman Nenad Zimonjic as the rightful successor, while James Blake responded to Pickleball Pro’s assertion that pickleball is superior to tennis.

At the same time, Novak Djokovic posted a glimpse of a enjoyable day with his wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara before beginning his Monte-Carlo Masters journey. There was a tense altercation between Martina Navratilova and Caitlyn Jenner after disagreeing on Transgender Day of Visibility.

To conclude, here is a recap of the most important tennis news of the day:

Nenad Zimonjic Chosen as Successor by Novak Djokovic’s Ex-Coach Goran Ivanisevic

Goran Ivanisevic, former coach of Novak Djokovic, has recommended that Nenad Zimonjic, former doubles World No. 1, should take over as his successor. Their partnership ended last month after six months together.

During an interview with a French sports magazine, Ivanisevic, who helped the World No. 1 win nine Grand Slam titles, expressed his support for Zimonjic as the perfect choice to be Djokovic’s next coach.

“I don’t know for how much longer Novak plans to keep on playing, but the perfect person is with him at the moment – Ziki (Nenad Zimonjic). He is a great friend of mine, we went through a lot together and I love him,”Goran Ivanisevic told Sport Klub. “He has a vast tennis knowledge, but what is most important – he knows Novak really well.”

“At the moment, Novak doesn’t need someone completely new, who is yet to get to know him,”he added. “Let’s say 10 days pass, Novak goes ‘crazy’ and this new coach is left wondering what is going on,”he added.

Additionally, Ivanisevic emphasized that Zimonjic’s past partnership with Djokovic would be beneficial for him.

“Ziki[Nenad Zimonjic] can help him tennis-wise. Novak does know everything already, but it will be refreshing for him to maybe hear the same thing from someone else, with a different approach,”he said. “Ziki knows Novak’s mentality really well, they collaborated in the Davis Cup as well.”

Ivanisevic revealed his preference for Djokovic to win the Olympics rather than the Slams. He also hinted that Djokovic may feel a sense of obligation to win the Olympic gold for someone.

“I believe that Novak will find motivation, I am sure of it. I wish him Olympic gold with all my heart, even more than the Slams. It’s something that he wants, he feels like he owes it to someone, although he doesn’t owe anyone anything… I wish for him to suceeed in the Olympics,”Ivanisevic said.

Pickleball and tennis players spar over sport comparisons

James Blake replied to Christian Alshon’s comparison of tennis and pickleball. Alshon was a former tennis player for the University of Chicago and has been playing pickleball for two years.

Alshon caused a stir with a recent statement on social media, asserting that pickleball has improved his athleticism more than tennis did.

“Pickleball has made me a much better athlete than Tennis ever did. Faster reaction time and speed are needed since the ball is only coming from 10 feet away. Point for point, pickleball requires more skill than tennis,”he wrote.

James Blake was irritated by Alshon’s remark, and proceeded to criticize his past tennis performances.

“Haha. That might be because you were playing a pretty low level of tennis. Maybe if you were familiar with the athleticism it takes to excel at the sport you would realize how ridiculous this statement is,”Blake wrote in a reply.

Despite facing pushback from a commenter who highlighted that Alshon was ranked seventh among recruits in the 2019 class, Blake remained unfazed and continued to mock Alshon in response, further defending his perspective on Alshon’s alleged low level of tennis skill.

“He has the same number of division 1 college wins as my daughter. (She’s 11)”

Novak Djokovic’s Family Fun Day Before Monte-Carlo Masters

Before the start of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters on April 7, Novak Djokovic and his family, including wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara, spent a carefree day in Monaco.

Prior to the start of the clay-court season, Djokovic made a trip to Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco with his family. He was joined by fellow Serbian player Nenad Zimonjic, who has been a part of Djokovic’s team since his previous coach, Goran Ivanisevic, departed.

In a video shared on social media, Djokovic’s family can be observed participating in long jump competitions, races, and even engaging in a friendly game of Capoeira.

“Family power like no other,”the Serb wrote on Instagram.

Celebrity feud erupts over Transgender Day of Visibility debate: Martina Navratilova vs. Caitlyn Jenner

Martina Navratilova echoed Caitlyn Jenner’s sentiments about hypocrisy surrounding family values and political beliefs in their disagreement about Transgender Day of Visibility.

The dispute started when Jenner, an ex-Olympic athlete and transgender individual, voiced her disapproval of President Biden’s decision to proclaim Transgender Day of Visibility, alleging that the Democrats were undermining family values and religious beliefs.

Navratilova, a renowned 18-time Grand Slam champion and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, took to social media to address what she perceived as Jenner’s hypocrisy. She pointed out the Olympic champion’s previous divorces and complex family dynamics as evidence.

Despite Navratilova’s criticism, Jenner persisted in defending herself on social media and proudly showcasing her family’s achievements.

“Last time I checked @Martina I raised one of the most successful families in the world, with the most amazing women – their mothers – by my side. You’re the hypocrite. You support dems that want men in women’s sport, ruining Title IX. Don’t ever come after my family! Tasteless!!!”Jenner wrote.

Navratilova responded by clarifying her position, emphasizing that her critique was aimed at Jenner’s political beliefs rather than her personal life.

“I didn’t come for your family. You said Dems are ruining families. You’re the one who divorced 3 x. Nothing to do with your family- it’s all about you and only you. Also- I am not a one issue voter so there is that.”