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This week Novak Djokovic has cleaned his coaching house, parting ways with his long-time coach, physio and fitness team members in one devastating swoop. So the big question has emerged…who will the former ATP world no. 1 hire to replace Marian Vajda?

Martina Navratilova: A longshot option for sure, but the legendary lefty knows the sport and could help Djokovic’s attacking game and his motivation issues. Navratilova was able to maintain her playing intensity and fitness through three decades. Navratilova had a failed relation with Aga Radwanska and could be eager to rebuild her lost coaching credibility.

Darren Cahill: Killer has worked wonders with a rejuvenated Andre Agassi. Could instill a rejuvenation into the stagnating Djokovic. Cahill has loads of experience working with legendary baseliners Agassi and Lleyton Hewitt. Could possibly tinker with the Djokovic game and raise it to another level.

Brad Gilbert: Has a proven record of getting the most out of Andre Agassi, Brad Gilbert and Andy Murray. It’s unknown how the personalities of these two gregarious personalities would mesh.

Marcelo Rios: Djokovic has great respect for Rios who recently turned down an offer to coach Tommy Haas. It’s an odd, quirky concept to consider Rios as a coach for Djokovic but we all know Djokovic is not your typical, traditional, normal thinker.

Pete Sampras: Sampras has said that he would not rule out coaching a top player in an interview last year despite his issues with traveling and time away from home. If Djokovic were to make the call to one of his childhood tennis heroes, you have to wonder how Sampras would react.

Andre Agassi: If anyone could help Djokovic to find his way out of this current struggle period it’s Agassi who knows a thing or two about rebuilding and reconstructing a broken tennis player. The question of course is does Agassi have the time or the interest to devote to coaching a player?

John McEnroe: The most intriguing option. McEnroe and Djokovic are good friends and have had good relations for years. McEnroe adores Djokovic as a person and a player. McEnroe has had a number of disappointments as a coach and knowing his competitive nature, it’s highly likely he is motivated to find success and experience guiding a top player to Grand Slam success.

Final analysis: I would guess John McEnroe is the favorite of this list. Djokovic needs an accomplished legend who knows what it takes to win major titles. McEnroe knows and is tune with today’s game and players tendencies. While I consider it possible and not probable, I believe Djokovic’s best option for a coach is John McEnroe.

(Photo by Henk Abbink)

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