Novak Djokovic will work with longtime pal Viktor Troicki as his coach in Paris.
Djokovic, who will enter Roland-Garros with zero clay courtroom wins in 2026, is seen by many as the primary challenger to Jannik Sinner in Paris.
The Serbian, a three-time Roland-Garros champion, acquired excellent news on Thursday when he was drawn into the underside half of the draw, which implies he received’t see Sinner till the ultimate – if he can get there.
“Welcome my pal, teammate and now coach… Viktor Troicki,” Djokovic shared on Instagram.
Troicki has identified the Serbian star since their youth. Troicki, a former world No. 12, retired in 2021 with a trio of ATP titles.
Djokovic, who’s seeded third in Paris, and Alexander Zverev, seeded second, are prime candidates to problem Sinner. Keep in mind, Nole took out the Italian on this yr’s Australian Open semifinals, earlier than dropping within the remaining to Carlos Alcaraz.
With Alcaraz out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon with a wrist harm, this might be Djokovic’s final – and maybe remaining – probability to say that elusive twenty fifth main title.
Djokovic and Troicki have additionally shared success in Davis Cup competitors. As Serbia’s crew captain, Troicki has coached Djokovic in a complete of 18 matches, together with all through Serbia’s runs to the Davis Cup Finals semifinals in 2021 and 2023, per Tennis.com.
They had been famously collectively as friends in 2010, when Troicki clinched Serbia’s first Davis Cup title, an occasion that helped set off one among Djokovic’s greatest season in 2011. The entire crew acquired crew cuts collectively after Group Serbia’s momentous victory.
After a productive collaboration with former world No. 1 Goran Ivanisevic, Djokovic paired up with former world No. 1 and three-time main champion Andy Murray in 2025. The partnership ended after six months with out a title.
Djokovic has reached two Slam finals since profitable his final main title, reaching the Wimbledon remaining in 2024 and the Australian Open remaining in 2026, dropping to Carlos Alcaraz each instances.
Djokovic’s quest for the title begins with a first-round conflict with hard-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
