Agents are the bridge between sportsmen and the various tournaments and clubs around the world. In tennis, and in particular, Novak Djokovic, the agent plays the important role of managing the Serb’s career, setting up dates for various tournaments, and ensuring he gets the best deals out of his appearances at events.
Thus, without an agent, Novak would have essentially struggled to manage the workload of an intense career. His long-term agent has seen the Serb through his record-extending 24 grand slam titles and 40 Masters titles, and a recent departure has left Novak with much to ponder.
Djokovic confirms departure of long-time agent
For over 15 years, Novak Djokovic worked with his agent, Edoardo Artaldi. The Italian former tennis player has witnessed the rise of Djokovic and been a part of his impressive dominance over the years. From getting Novak involved in various ATP tournaments to easing his workload as he got older, the 59-year-old has done it all.
However, their collaboration came to an end recently when Djokovic and Artaldi split. The peaceful termination of their business dealings led the Serb to acknowledge his agent’s assistance and to turn his attention to the future, stating that “a new chapter” awaited him.
“We remain friends, but professionally we’re going our separate ways. A new chapter begins for me in everything concerning my life off the court. The transition isn’t easy, but things are moving forward,” Djokovic told Tennis Majors‘ Carole Bouchard.
“He hasn’t made up his mind yet, as the team surrounding him is still being put together,” a source very close to Djokovic told Tennis Majors regarding the Serb’s appointment of a new agent.
Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo has confirmed Artaldi’s departure and added that it remains to be seen if he will stay in Djokovic’s team in different roles or not.
Novak Djokovic sets sights on major goals after Paris Masters title
Novak Djokovic won the Paris Masters in a remarkable, age-defying performance, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the final. Novak won his seventh title in Paris and his 40th ATP Masters title overall.
Novak is focused on the future and has revealed his plans for upcoming tournaments. In November, he will compete for a record seventh Nitto ATP Finals title in Turin, Italy, before leading Serbia in the Davis Cup knockouts in December.
“My goal is to end up the season on the high note, on the highest note possible. The players that are not fighting for the World Tour Finals like Grigor, they have more motivation to end up this last tournament of the season on a high note, but you also have players who are very tired, and there are also players who are fighting who have a ticket for Turin,” Djokovic told reporters in France.
Novak will likely face off against Carlos Alcaraz in Turin in what is a mouth-watering reunion of the Wimbledon and Cincinnati finalists. The Serb, who had to fight off jeers from the crowd in Paris, will aim to finish the year on a high and cement his legacy as one of best players in tennis.
What are your opinions on Novak’s agent’s abrupt departure after 15 years? And will the Serb succeed in Turin and the Davis Cup? Let us know in the comments section below.
