Agassi and Djokovic grab lunch in Beverly Hills

Novak Djokovic is slowly re-emerging from his hibernation. The Serbian has turned in up in a few notable places like the Staples Center in Los Angeles and Paris for an ATP council meeting.

This past Friday he was spotted with coach Andre Agassi headed to Il Pastaoi in Beverly Hills for lunch (where NBA Scottie Pippen couldn't help but interrupt for a quick photo).

Agassi and Djokovic joining forces proved to be one of the biggest plot twists on the season—one that turned out to a tease, as Djokovic had to shut it down a mere two months into the partnership at Wimbledon. Given their abbreviated season, it’s worth examining this rare public outing for clues into their working relationship.

1

More than a coach?

The casual setting seems indicative of the Agassi-Djokovic relationship. When they first started working together last May, the nature of Agassi’s commitment to Djokovic as wasn’t at all clear to the outside world. Was he a full-time coach? Part-time guru? Sympathetic ear?

Agassi has stressed the importance of getting to know a player and “learning them” in finding ways to effectively motivate and instruct them. By the looks of these pics, he has established a nice rapport with the 30-year-old.

2

BYOW

Agassi is carrying a gallon of water into a restaurant that presumably serves water. For these two ultra-conscious eaters, it’s anyone’s guess who first had the bring-your-own-water idea. No doubt both were pleased to be in agreeable company.

3

Protect the elbow

Agassi, tennis royalty, is carrying the water while shouldering a duffle bag and carrying a Square Panda set (more on that in a second). As for his charge, he is relatively hands-free, demonstrating the degree of caution they are willing to exercise with Djokovic’s elbow as he plots his return to the tour.

4

Family men

When Djokovic enlisted Agassi’s services last May, he cited Agassi’s ability to balance family and tennis as a source of inspiration in reaching out. With two teenagers of his own, it seems safe to assume the Square Panda phonics set is for Djokovic’s three-year-old son Stefan. Djokovic also just had a daughter in September with his wife Jelena.

Djokovic is set to make his return to (exhibition) action at the World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi next month.