How playing in Adelaide with Australian Dejan Petrovic changed Novak Djokovic’s game forever

Novak Djokovic was unstoppable at the Adelaide International this summer – and it was here that the Serbian superstar learned to play the “very aggressive Australian style of tennis” 18 years ago.

Long before all the Grand Slam titles and the controversy surrounding his vaccination status, Adelaide was once something of a second home for Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic was unstoppable at the Adelaide Open this summer – and it was here that the Serbian superstar learned to play the “very aggressive Australian style of tennis” 18 years ago.

Long before all the Grand Slam titles and the controversy over his vaccination status, Adelaide was once something of a second home for Djokovic (pictured as a teenager).

In early 2004, Adelaide-born Dejan Petrovic – who was once one of Australia’s top youngsters – brought 17-year-old Djokovic to Adelaide for a training block.

Petrovic’s parents were from Serbia, so the Australian made every effort to make the youngster as little homesick as possible.

“I made him feel at home,” Petrovic told codesports. “We had a memorable barbecue at his place in Blair Athol [just north of the Adelaide CBD]. Traditional pork on a skewer, all grilled meats, meze. Absolutely everything.

“And of course the Serbian rakija [alcohol]. He didn’t want his parents to hear this, but we had a couple.’

In early 2004, Adelaide-born Dejan Petrovic (pictured) had 17-year-old Djokovic in Adelaide for a training block. Petrovic’s parents were from Serbia, so the Australian did everything he could to avoid homesickness

Petrovic connected the rising teenage star to local Serbian communities and became a mentor for The Joker. Later that year, Djokovic’s father asked Petrovic to take over as his son’s full-time coach.

Petrovic immediately retired from his own tennis career, knowing full well that Djokovic was a very special talent.

“We worked a lot on my transition game to the net and to serve,” says Djokovic. “Very aggressive, Australian tennis style. It was a great time. We had fun times.’

Petrovic further explained: “The parts of the transition game involved moving, through contact and then recovery, that was essential for me.

Petrovic (pictured coaching young Djokovic in Geneva) connected the rising teenage star to local Serbian communities and became a mentor to The Joker. Later that year, Djokovic’s father asked Petrovic to take over as his son’s full-time coach

“He didn’t have that bombshell of an inside-out forehand that he has today. He had the backhand. He didn’t miss and had more power on the backhand.’

“Also, we’ve been working like crazy to improve the serve.”

Djokovic achieved some great results, qualifying for the 2005 Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon – where he made it to the third round.

After the Wimbledon campaign, Djokovic’s family decided to take a different direction with coaching and brought in Italian Riccardo Piatti.

Djokovic after winning the 2021 Australian Open

Petrovic, who was in Adelaide this week watching his old student, says he’s proud of the time he’s spent with the Serbian star and supports him going all the way at the Australian Open.

“I hope he does,” says Petrovic.

“All great things begin in Adelaide.”