Why Agassi may be a perfect fit for Djokovic

Two weeks after splitting with his entire team, world No. 2 Novak Djokovic confirmed that he is tapping Andre Agassi for a trial partnership through the French Open.

Rumors multiplied during the Serb’s defeat to Alexander Zverev in the Rome final. Soon after the match, he confirmed the news.

“Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player," Djokovic said. "He has been through everything that I'm going through. On the court he understands the game amazingly well. I am enjoying every conversation that I have with him.”

It’s a symbolic reset for the 12-time Grand Slam champion—who turns 30 years old on Monday—and is hoping to revitalize his dominance as the defending French Open champion. While Agassi has been out of the spotlight since retiring in 2006, it’s a move that makes sense given their multiple similarities.

1

Agassi and Djokovic are the supreme ball strikers of their respective generations. Their backhands are powerful weapons, and either of them could be considered the greatest service returner of all time.

2

Both players had rocky success early in their careers in establishing themselves as major threats while escaping the shadows of larger rivals. They famously had a slower time developing into their now level-headed personalities.

3

Agassi struggled in the middle of his career before his renaissance when he won the 1999 French Open at the age of 29, the first of five major titles after his supposed peak years were already behind him. Djokovic is looking for similar French Open magic to kickstart another winning wave.

4

Both also always seemed to be playing catch up with their rivals. Agassi never got near Pete Sampras’ record of 14 majors. Djokovic has done well to catch up, but might be perceived similarly one step behind when compared to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

5

They have also both been the kings of Australia. Agassi won four of his eight career majors in Melbourne, and Djokovic has captured six of his 12 major titles Down Under. If Djokovic wins in Paris, he'll become the first player in the Open Era to win a career Grand Slam twice (Agassi was the first since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four majors at least once in his career).

6

Djokovic alluded to another factor that has been important to him as he struggles to find balance in his 30s: family.

“(Agassi’s) someone that nurtures the family values, philanthropy work," Djokovic said of the father of two. "He's a very humble man, is very educated. He's a person that can contribute to my life on and off the court a lot. I'm very excited to see what is ahead of us."

A fresh pair of eyes could be just what Djokovic needs after parting ways with the intense Boris Becker (who was actually one of Agassi’s rivals). Agassi’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, is as intrigued as anyone by the new pairing.

Last year Djokovic looked to Agassi as inspiration in getting over the hump to win his first French Open title, and he's still gaining inspiration from the 47-year-old.

“He was a revolutionary player because he had this charisma, he had this approach to tennis and to life that was quite different from others," Djokovic said. "That's why he was so interesting."

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