Andre Agassi once bestowed a major compliment on Novak Djokovic, comparing the Serb to his wife, tennis legend Steffi Graf. Agassi also shed light on Djokovic’s mindset regarding his arch-rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic ended his 11-year partnership with longtime coach Marian Vajda in 2017. Following their split, the Serb sought Agassi’s expertise for his campaign at the French Open and later made the decision to hire the American as his head coach.
In a 2017 interview with Inside Tennis, Andre Agassi shared his perspective on Novak Djokovic’s mentality about competing alongside two of the sport’s greatest champions, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The American likened Djokovic to his wife Steffi Graf, highlighting that the Serb wasn’t driven by the need for applause but by a desire to beat the best.
In the world of tennis, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf are celebrated as two of the sport’s all-time greats, boasting careers marked by resilience, skill, and an almost relentless drive for success. When Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion, agreed to coach Novak Djokovic in 2017, it immediately became a significant move in tennis circles. Djokovic, who had already established himself as a formidable force, was going through a challenging phase with injuries and confidence issues.
The bond between Agassi and Djokovic was rooted in more than just a coach-player relationship; it was an alignment of mindsets. Agassi’s comparison of Djokovic to his wife, Steffi Graf, holds weight, as both players share a similar mentality—focusing less on the need for applause and more on the pure, unyielding desire to defeat the best. Graf, known for her quiet tenacity and refusal to be distracted by external approval, achieved a record 22 Grand Slam singles titles in her career, setting a benchmark of excellence that remains awe-inspiring to this day. In a similar vein, Djokovic has carved his path not just by winning, but by proving himself repeatedly against two of the most celebrated players in history: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
In his 2017 interview with Inside Tennis, Agassi discussed how Djokovic approached his fierce rivalries with Federer and Nadal. Agassi observed that Djokovic wasn’t motivated by the approval of fans or the spotlight of media attention. Instead, he possessed a unique mental strength, rooted in a desire to surpass the toughest opponents and achieve greatness in his own way. This mindset, Agassi suggested, was reminiscent of Graf’s own approach to the game. She was intensely private, often shying away from the limelight but fiercely competitive on the court. Similarly, Djokovic doesn’t chase the limelight as much as he chases excellence and dominance.
This mentality is what has allowed Djokovic to challenge, and often surpass, the reputations of Federer and Nadal. Unlike many players who feel intimidated or distracted by the aura of these two legends, Djokovic has viewed them as targets to strive against and surpass. Agassi noted that this kind of psychological resilience is rare and forms the basis of what sets Djokovic apart.
While Agassi’s partnership with Djokovic was relatively short-lived, spanning from May 2017 to April 2018, it was an impactful period. When Djokovic reached out to Agassi in 2017, he was struggling with physical and mental challenges, exacerbated by a lingering elbow injury that had significantly impacted his performance. Agassi, who had dealt with his own struggles during his career, empathized with Djokovic’s situation and offered his support. Although Agassi was somewhat reluctant to commit to a full-time coaching role due to his personal commitments, he agreed to assist Djokovic, hoping to help him regain his footing in the tennis world.
Throughout their collaboration, Agassi attempted to guide Djokovic not only in terms of gameplay but also by encouraging him to maintain focus and mental clarity. Agassi’s influence encouraged Djokovic to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, instilling a renewed sense of resilience in the Serb. Despite their partnership ending after less than a year, Agassi’s impact was notable. Djokovic credited him for providing guidance during one of the most challenging periods of his career.
One of the unique aspects of Djokovic’s career has been his rivalry with Federer and Nadal. In an era when many players were content to play second fiddle to Federer and Nadal, Djokovic was undeterred. Agassi observed that Djokovic’s drive to win against these two legends was not out of resentment but from a fierce determination to test himself against the very best.
In the early years, Djokovic often played in the shadow of Federer’s graceful style and Nadal’s intense athleticism. But instead of ceding ground, he embraced the challenge, determined to elevate his game and claim his spot among the greats. Djokovic went on to achieve historic records, including holding all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously in 2016—a feat that neither Federer nor Nadal achieved.
Agassi’s observation highlighted Djokovic’s mental resilience, particularly evident in matches against Federer and Nadal. Djokovic has been known to come back from seemingly impossible situations, displaying an unshakeable belief in himself. His battles with Federer in Wimbledon finals, especially the 2019 marathon, exemplify this; despite facing Federer’s championship points, Djokovic stayed calm and ultimately emerged victorious.
The rivalry between Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal has defined an entire era of tennis. While Federer’s artistry and Nadal’s ferocious intensity have their own appeal, Djokovic’s success stems from a more balanced approach, combining mental, physical, and strategic mastery. Agassi’s insight into Djokovic’s psyche provides an understanding of why he has been so successful in this highly competitive trio. Djokovic is perhaps the most complete player of the three, excelling in defensive skills, return game, and mental resilience.
Moreover, Djokovic’s focus on personal growth, rather than external validation, has allowed him to maintain a high level of play over an extended period. This is reminiscent of Graf, who continued to dominate the game while maintaining a low-profile personal life, always prioritizing excellence on the court over public admiration. Agassi’s comparison of Djokovic to Graf is particularly insightful because both players are as known for their humility and intense dedication as they are for their titles and records.
Today, Djokovic is recognized as one of the greatest players of all time, his name firmly etched alongside Federer and Nadal in the pantheon of tennis legends. His ability to stay grounded and focused on his goals, rather than seeking the approval of fans or the media, has played a key role in his sustained success. As Agassi pointed out, Djokovic’s pursuit of excellence is not about popularity but about achieving personal and professional milestones.
With each milestone, Djokovic continues to rewrite the record books. From holding the most weeks as world number one to winning Grand Slam titles well into his thirties, his accomplishments speak to his dedication and resilience. Agassi’s acknowledgment of Djokovic’s focus, likening it to that of Steffi Graf, underscores how rare and valuable this mindset is in the world of professional sports.
The brief yet impactful partnership between Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic offers insight into the latter’s mental fortitude and approach to competition. Agassi’s observation that Djokovic resembles his wife, Steffi Graf, is more than just a compliment—it is a profound statement about Djokovic’s inner drive. While Agassi’s time as Djokovic’s coach was short, his influence was invaluable during a crucial period in Djokovic’s career. Through his unparalleled focus and resilience, Djokovic has proven that he, like Graf, is one of those rare athletes who seek greatness not for applause but as a testament to their skill and dedication.
As Djokovic continues to compete and redefine what’s possible in tennis, Agassi’s words serve as a reminder of the mindset that has allowed him to rise to the top. In an era marked by rivalries, records, and reverence, Djokovic’s journey remains one of the most remarkable stories in sports history. And, as Agassi implied, it’s not about the applause—it’s about the pursuit of greatness for its own sake.