Likes of Annacone or Edberg can be Djoko’s coach: Badri

On Friday, the Serb announced he was parting ways with his entire coaching team in a bid to stop his slump. 

Internationally renowned mental conditioning coach Badri Narayan, who has worked with players of international repute, said Djokovic would wade successfully out of these troubled waters. “It has been a tough 12 months for Djokovic, ever since he won the French Open. His standards are very high and the slightest dip in form is very closely scrutinised.”

“He must have thought through this (spilt from his coaching team) before he arrived at such an important decision. He must have felt the need to have a different voice to change things around. Roger (Federer) went through this too as the margins are less when it comes to the top players. Djokovic’s mental toughness will be tested but I think he will come through this. A champion always does,” Badri told DTNext.

Going forward, Badri felt the Serb needs a cool head. “He needs someone who is calm in the coaching staff. I think someone like a Paul Annacone or an Edberg can be perfect for him now,” Badri added. 

On Roger Federer, Badri said the Swiss is playing phenomenal tennis. “Federer is pacing himself really well. He will play Halle to get himself ready for Wimbledon. With the form of Andy and Nole on the dip, Roger has a good chance to make a decent run there. Andy will be his biggest challenge there (in Wimbledon),” he noted.

Badri said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Rafael Nadal as a favourite in the French Open. “Rafa’s forehand is firing which is a great sign and winning Monte Carlo and Barcelona back to back has given him the confidence. This is Rafa’s best chance to win Slam No 15,” he concluded.