Andre Agassi becomes latest 'super coach' to teach the next generation

22 May 2017 01:09

World number two Novak Djokovic has announced Andre Agassi, an eight-time grand slam winner, will coach him at the French Open.

Here, Press Association Sport's Jim van Wijk takes a look at some of the 'super coaches' who are ready to pass on their wisdom to the next generation.

ANDRE AGASSI

Grand slam titles - Australian Open (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003); French Open (1999); Wimbledon (1992); US Open (1994, 1999)

Married to Steffi Graf, who herself landed 22 grand slam singles titles, American Agassi will be entering a coaching role for the first time since his retirement in 2006. The 47-year-old, though, will bring with him not only a wealth of match experience as a former world number one, but also knowledge of how to deal with the pressures of outside life given his dedication to charity work and family with his two teenage children at their Las Vegas home. Whether or not it ends up developing into a long-term partnership remains to be seen, but for the here and now, Agassi could just prove the perfect tonic as Djokovic looks to climb back above Andy Murray to become world number one.

BORIS BECKER

Grand slam titles - Australian Open (1991, 1996); Wimbledon (1985, 1986, 1989); US Open: (1989)

German Becker, who won Wimbledon as an unheralded teenager, ended his partnership with Djokovic at the end of last year, but still clearly remains on good terms with the Serbian as he posted his best regards for the "excellent choice" of working with Agassi as well as then wishing Djokovic a happy 30th birthday. Whatever the reasons behind their parting of the ways, Becker managed to bring out the best in Djokovic during a three-year spell which delivered six grand slam titles.

IVAN LENDL

Grand slam titles - Australian Open (1989, 1990); French Open (1984, 1986, 1987); US Open (1985, 1986, 1987)

Czech Lendl helped mastermind Murray's rise to the top when they paired between 2012 and 2014, a spell which saw the Briton secure a coveted Wimbledon title as well as Olympic gold. Lendl was back working with Murray again last summer, as the Scot again enjoyed Wimbledon success followed by Olympic glory in Brazil and moved to number one in the world rankings after edging out Djokovic at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals. After turning 30 and seeing himself struggling for form on clay ahead of the 2017 French Open, there was only one man Murray was going to call to jet into Paris.

JOHN McENROE

Grand slam titles - Wimbledon (1981, 1983, 1984); US Open (1979, 1980, 1981, 1984)

McEnroe may have calmed down since his "you cannot be serious " days on court, but the 58-year-old American's passion for the game continues to burn as bright as ever, whether it be in the commentary box or on the sidelines. McEnroe was part of Milos Raonic's coaching team during the summer of 2016 when the Canadian went on to reach his first grand slam final at Wimbledon, where he lost in straight sets to Murray, before going their separate ways ahead of the US Open.

STEFAN EDBERG

Grand slam titles - Australian Open (1985, 1987); Wimbledon (1988, 1990); US Open (1991, 1992)

Edberg took on the role of Roger Federer's coach towards the end of 2013, and the Swede's influence rubbed off on the Swiss, who enjoyed a renaissance as he reached the 2014 final of Wimbledon for a record ninth time and climbed back up to the world's number two spot. After a run of some 11 tournament wins, the duo parted company in December 2015. Federer said: "He taught me so much and his influence on my game will remain."

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA

Grand slam titles - Australian Open (1981, 1983, 1985); French Open (1982, 1984); Wimbledon (1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990); US Open (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987)

With some 18 grand slam singles titles, Navratilova is one of the most experienced tennis players of her generation and had a spell working with Agnieszka Radwanska towards the end of the 2014 season. While they parted company during April 2015, the Pole went on reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon before winning the WTA Finals in Singapore and ended the year as the world number five. While Murray's partnership with Amelie Mauresmo was short-lived, should anyone be looking for a different perspective to take their game forwards, Navratilova would certainly fit the bill.

Source: PA