Novak Djokovic announced on Instagram on Wednesday 20 May that Viktor Troicki has joined his coaching team, just four days before the start of Roland-Garros. The move prioritises trust and familiarity over pure tactical expertise.

The two Serbs have known each other since their teenage years. They trained together in Belgrade, shared hotel rooms as young professionals and celebrated Serbia's ATP Cup 2020 triumph side by side. Troicki, a former world No. 12 with three ATP titles, retired in 2021 at 35. Since then, he has served as Serbia's Davis Cup captain, overseeing 18 of Djokovic's matches with a strong winning record.

This partnership follows a turbulent period on Djokovic's coaching bench. The split with Goran Ivanisevic in early 2024, after three years and seven Grand Slam titles, was followed by a six-month stint with Andy Murray that ended in late 2025 without a major title. By choosing a lifelong friend, Djokovic appears to be seeking stability and serenity above all.

Now 39, having celebrated his birthday just days ago on 22 May, the Serbian remains in pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title. His Roland-Garros campaign opens against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a 21-year-old Frenchman ranked 83rd with a formidable serve. "My preparation has been positive. If healthy, I always have that belief to challenge for major titles," Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference.

Troicki brings an intimate understanding of Djokovic's game, built over two decades of proximity. Whether that friendship chemistry translates into results on the Parisian clay, where Djokovic has triumphed three times (2016, 2021, 2023), remains to be seen. The first real test arrives on Sunday.