(MENAFN- The Peninsula) AFP
London: Novak Djokovic will reinforce his coaching team for next week's Wimbledon by adding former world number seven Mario Ancic alongside American great Andre Agassi.
The arrangement was revealed by Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti on Saturday.
Ancic, 33, gave up tennis due to injury in 2011 to pursue a banking career in the United States and will work with Agassi to try and help Djokovic rediscover his best form.
Eight-time Grand Slam champion Agassi began his collaboration with former world number one Djokovic at the French Open.
"First of all, he's my very good friend," Djokovic, speaking to Eurosport, said of Ancic following his 6-3, 6-4 victory over Gael Monfils in Saturday's final at Eastbourne.
"He played semis of Wimbledon, beat (Roger) Federer, when he was, I think, only a teenager.
"He was very, very talented but he was very unfortunate with injuries and some illnesses that ended his career, but we always stayed in touch and he's one of the closest friends I have ever had on the tour.
"I dragged him over back to the sport, so I'm really glad to see him now in London and really glad to spend time with him and Agassi as well and hopefully we can have a good tournament."
Croatian Ancic won the 2005 Davis Cup, a year after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, but he retired at the age of 26 after a prolonged battle with illness and injury.
Ancic is only expected to come on board with Djokovic temporarily as he could not set aside more time due to other work commitments.
Djokovic, a three-time Wimbledon champion, will start against Martin Klizan at the All England Club next week after claiming just his second title of the season at Eastbourne.
Ancic admitted he had to negotiate time off with his banking bosses in order to partner up with Djokovic in London.
"I had to do a series of talks and get permission from all over (the company), I negotiated all last week and, luckily, got the green light. Coming into Wimbledon and I will be available for Novak," Ancic told the Sportarena newspaper.
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