Novak Djokovic will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance at the Monte-Carlo Masters when he takes to the court in Madrid.
The Serbian star had enjoyed a solid start to his 2025 ATP Tour season on hard courts but had failed to pick up a title, coming closest in Miami, where he lost to Jakub Mensik in the final.
Transitioning onto clay, the 37-year-old suffered a tough defeat, as Djokovic lost to Alejandro Tabilo in his opening match in Monte-Carlo.
Coach Andy Murray will return in Madrid, having missed the tournament in Monte-Carlo earlier this month.
Another ex-player, Juan Martin del Potro, recently said that he’d also welcome the chance to work alongside the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Speaking in his pre-tournament press conference, Djokovic reacted to those comments and revealed whether he’d ever consider adding the Argentine to his team.
Novak Djokovic says for now ‘he’s fine’ when asked if he’d add Juan Martin del Potro to his coaching team
During a press conference ahead of the 2025 Madrid Open, Djokovic responded when asked about the possibility of Del Potro becoming his coach.
“For now, I’m fine, but you never know,” he said.
“He was in Miami watching my matches, more than a few, from the box, so that was also exciting because I really admire his tennis as well and the way he played it.
“We talked a little bit about the game, and it was very interesting to listen to him, to see how he observes the game.
“So, you never know, let’s see, I’m a young player, I have a lot of time, so I have many years to think about it.”
Djokovic went on to share some kind words about the 2009 US Open champion.
“He’s a great friend and someone who I really like a lot as a person, his values, his family,” he said.
“We had a fantastic time in Argentina for his farewell match, I was very honored to be the last player he was going to play with.”
Djokovic and Del Potro played an exhibition match in Buenos Aires earlier this year, with the latter coming out on top 6-4, 7-5, in his final-ever match.
A crowd of 15,000 people witnessed the final chapter of Djokovic and Del Potro’s storied rivalry.
Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro’s head-to-head record
In total, Djokovic and Del Potro played one another 20 times on the ATP Tour, with the Serb winning the head-to-head, 16-4.
The Argentine’s four victories were highly impressive, as he took down Djokovic during his prime years.
- 2016 Olympic Games (1R) – Juan Martin del Potro beat Novak Djokovic, 7-6, 7-6
- 2013 Indian Wells (SF) – Juan Martin del Potro beat Novak Djokovic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
- 2012 Olympics (Bronze Medal Match) – Juan Martin del Potro beat Novak Djokovic, 7-5, 6-4
- 2011 Davis Cup (SF) – Juan Martin del Potro beat Novak Djokovic, 7-6, 3-0 (RET)
It was Djokovic who had the better of things at the Grand Slam level, however, winning all five of their encounters at the sport’s four biggest tournaments.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2018 US Open – F | Novak Djokovic | Juan Martin del Potro | 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 |
| 2013 Wimbledon – SF | Novak Djokovic | Juan Martin del Potro | 7-5, 4-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 |
| 2012 US Open – QF | Novak Djokovic | Juan Martin del Potro | 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 |
| 2011 French Open – 3R | Novak Djokovic | Juan Martin del Potro | 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2007 US Open – 3R | Novak Djokovic | Juan Martin del Potro | 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 |
Djokovic beat Del Potro in a classic at Wimbledon in 2013, scraping through a five-set thriller to advance to the final at SW19.
The Serb will no doubt be searching for further Wimbledon success later this year, but will first set his sights on making a deep run in the Spanish capital.
Djokovic will begin his assault on a fourth career Madrid Open title on Saturday, April 26, when he takes on Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
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