Novak Djokovic has Andre Agassi on board for French Open
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World No 2 Novak Djokovic has sought the services of former great Andre Agassi for the upcoming French Open after losing the Italian Open final to Alexander Zverev. Earlier this month Serbian ace Djokovic parted ways with longtime coach Marian Vajda and fitness trainer Gebhard Phil Gritsch.
"I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris," Djokovic was quoted as saying by ESPN. "So he's going to be there. We'll see what future brings.
"We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us. We don't have any long-term commitment. It's just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit. He 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," the Serbian added.
Things went south for Djokovic since winning the title at Roland Garros last year, and he was also unseated at the top of the rankings by Andy Murray.
His dismal run continued into 2017, where, after his Qatar Open title in early January, the Italian Open final yesterday was the only time he crossed the quarterfinal stage in six tournaments this year, which resulted in the Serbian parting ways with his coaching staff.
Former world No 1 Agassi, who retired from professional tennis in 2006, won eight Grand Slam titles, including the French Open in 1999. Agassi has no top-level coaching experience, though. he has always remained a hugely popular and a true great of the game, which seemed to impress the Serb.
"Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player," Djokovic said. "He has been through everything that I'm going through. On the court, he understands the game amazingly well. I am enjoying every conversation that I have with him," Djokovic said.
"But also, on the other hand, he's someone that nurtures the family values, philanthropy work. He's a very humble man, is very educated. 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."
The French Open starts on May 28.
