Notifications
Settings
Clear Notifications
Notifications
Use the toggle to switch on notifications
  • Block for 8 hours
  • Block for 12 hours
  • Block for 24 hours
  • Don't block
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

French Open: Novak Djokovic excited to have 'new vibe' with Andre Agassi

Serbian Novak Djokovic is excited to work with former American superstar Andre Agassi ahead of the French Open.

Paris, May 27: Defending French Open champion Novak Djokovic says he is excited to have created a "new vibe" by inviting former tennis superstar Andre Agassi to work with him during the French Open which starts on Sunday (May 28).

Djokovic (right) and Agassi during a training session for French Open at Roland Garros on Friday (May 26)


American 8-time Grand Slam champion Agassi, 47, has taken on a coaching role for the first time since ending his glittering playing career in 2006.

"It feels like a new chapter. Kind of creating a new team, creating a new vibe, it feels exciting," the 30-year-old winner of 12 Grand Slam titles told a news conference.

"It feels right at this moment because I was, in the last, you know, five, six months, struggling a little bit on the court and trying to re-define myself, rediscover what kind of approach is the right one."

Djokovic was out on court with 1999 champion Agassi on Friday before the draw ceremony, where he was paired with Spaniard Marcel Granollers.

"Right now I feel much better on the court," Djokovic said. "I was talking with Andre for a couple of weeks during Madrid and Rome on the phone, kind of preparing for the matches, analysing matches. That allowed both of us to get to know each other and for him to get closer to my thinking and my mindset.

"I was very glad that he accepted to come in person in Paris and spend some time."

Djokovic said he had shared some long conversations with Agassi in Paris and that they had "clicked and connected".

"He's someone that inspires me a lot. That's one of the things I felt like I needed is new inspiration, someone that knows exactly what I'm going through on the court.

"It brings a new dimension of motivation."

Djokovic, seeded second behind an out-of-form Andy Murray, said resurgent Spaniard Rafael Nadal is favourite for the title as he seeks a 10th French Open crown.

"Rafa, next to Roger, has been the best player so far this year in terms of results," he said.

"And Rafa, again, playing on his favourite surface won three tournaments in a row, and playing confidently and much better than he was playing actually last year.

"I definitely see him as number one favourite for this title."

OneIndia News

Story first published: Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 11:07 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 8, 2017
Gender
Select your Gender
  • Male
  • Female
  • Others
Age
Select your Age Range
  • Under 18
  • 18 to 25
  • 26 to 35
  • 36 to 45
  • 45 to 55
  • 55+