Novak Djokovic has officially confirmed that he has ended his coaching partnerships with both Radek Stepanek and Andre Agassi. A statement posted on Djokovic’s official website announced, “After Miami, Novak Djokovic and his tennis coach Radek Stepanek decided to end their co-operation. “The private relationship with Stepanek was and will remain great, and Novak has enjoyed working with him and learning from him. He remains grateful and appreciative of all the support he has received from Radek during the last period. “Novak remains focused and eager to come back stronger and more resilient from [a] long injury break that has affected his confidence and game. He is continuously and passionately looking for new and different ways to regain [his] winning...
Justin Gimelstob of ATP World Tour Uncovered presented by Peugeot, looks back on memorable moments in the 32-year history of the Miami Open presented by Itau at Crandon Park.
Editor's Note: This feature story first appeared on ATPWorldTour.com in June 2012. Green fees are around $500 per round. Tee times are one-hour apart. Only a handful of guests each day get to play the 7,239-yard Shadow Creek Golf Course, built by business magnate Steve Wynn, in 1989, in northern Las Vegas. Here Andre Agassi came to re-group immediately after his 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 loss to Jim Courier, his former Bollettieri Academy sparring partner, in the 1992 Roland Garros semi-finals. Speaking exclusively to ATPWorldTour.com, Agassi remembers, 20 years on, “When we were playing, Steve asked me, ‘So what is next?’ I said, ‘Wimbledon.’ He asked, ‘Do you think you can win it?’ I told him, ‘Very few people show up...
As they take to the court together for the first time at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic reveals Andre Agassi is the inspiration he's been looking for. Photo: Getty Images
After coaching Andre Agassi to a Roland Garros title, ESPN tennis analyst Brad Gilbert believes his former charge has the tennis wisdom to do the same for defending champion Novak Djokovic. Speaking on an ESPN conference call ahead of Roland Garros, the former No. 4 in the Emirates ATP Rankings shared his thoughts on the partnership. Although some have questioned how successful the new coaching arrangement will be, Gilbert said the similarities in their playing styles could spark a successful relationship. “Andre played his best tennis from 29 on. Djokovic just turned 30. Today's 30 is like 25 used to be,” said Gilbert. “A lot of times when I'm watching Djokovic, when he's playing at his best, nobody plays closer...