Obi UAE Royals' player Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia reacts during his match against Micromax Indian Aces' player Fabrice Santoro of France in the International Premier Tennis League in Pasay City, Philippines, on Dec. 7, 2015. Ivanisevic lost 3-6. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
LONDON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic says he will be helping Novak Djokovic during this year's tournament, after joining the world number one's coaching team following a phone call out of the blue.
Ivanisevic was quoted telling Serbian reporters at the All England Club that "it's all unusual, a rather unexpected call came a few days ago. I was a bit surprised, I travelled to Sweden. Nole (Djokovic) wanted me to come earlier but I had a senior tour agreed."
Novak Djokovic of Serbia shows his trophy after winning the men's singles final match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa at the Wimbledon Championships 2018 in London, Britain, on July 15, 2018. Novak Djokovic won 3-0. (Xinhua/Stephen Chung)
Due to his previous obligations, Ivanisevic is staying only for the tournament's first week. "I arrived this morning for the first training session, which was great, and we hope that this cooperation will last," Ivanisevic said, adding that Djokovic's appeal was "a big recognition for me as a coach".
Djokovic will be going for his fifth Wimbledon title when the 2019 tournament gets underway on Monday.
The Serbian's first opponent is Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber, whose best run at Wimbledon came in 2012 when he made the quarterfinals.
