Former British No 1 Annabel Croft believes Novak Djokovic 'already has somebody in mind' to replace Goran Ivanisevic following their shock split.
Djokovic announced on social media the sudden decision to split with Ivanisevic came just 'a few days ago'.
The dominant partnership helped yield 12 Grand Slam titles for Djokovic as he established himself as one of the greatest players of all time.
Ivanisevic became Djokovic's main coach in 2022 having first begun working with each other four years prior.
Novak Djokovic won 12 Grand Slams while working with Goran Ivanisevic
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Djokovic paid tribute to his compatriot in a touching statement in a sign the split was amicable.
Croft feels the change in coach indicates how much Djokovic has been concerned with his results in 2024 so far.
The Serbian tennis icon lost in the semi-final of the Australian Open to Jannik Sinner and suffered a shock defeat in Indian Wells earlier this month to Luca Nardi.
Djokovic is set to return to action at the start of the claycourt season in Monte Carlo next month and Croft believes a new coach could already be in place before then.
"I guess it was a little bit of a shock," she said on Sky Sports.
"It was a very nice message he put out, making it clear that they are still extremely good friends.
"They've been together around six years, 12 Grand Slam titles later that they won together.
"But I would imagine that that tells you that all is not great where Djokovic feels his tennis is at right now.
Goran Ivanisevic became Novak Djokovic's main coach in 2022
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"He didn't win in Australia. He's chosen not to play here [Miami], he's said for personal reasons I guess there was all of this going on off the court to try and make a decision.
"It will be fascinating now to see who he's going to pick now.
"If he's going to try and squeeze the last few ounces out of his tennis career while all these youngsters are nipping at his heels - who is he going to bring in?
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"It's a big decision. Who's available? But maybe he already has somebody in mind.
"Would you make that decision if you didn't know where you were going to be going when time is so precious at the age he's at, at the stage he's at?"
