Andre Agassi: 'Novak and Serena are clear favorites in Melbourne'
Andre had returned to Melbourne as a coach in 2018 when he was in Novak Djokovics box and he is there again, training with Grigor Dimitrov who defeated Pablo Cuevas 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 50 minutes to reach the third round.
The Bulgarian started to work with Agassi in Paris when the American joined Dani Vallverdu in the coaching box and Dimitrov said he has already learned a lot from the eight-time Grand Slam winner, spending the off-season together in the USA and preparing for 2019 after a terrible season the Bulgarian had enjoyed last year.
Asked about the potential winners and favorites in Melbourne, Agassi cited Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams as the players who should lift the trophies in 10 days. He mentioned Novaks great form and Serenas desire to win the 24th major but still with some room for surprises, maybe from some of the upcoming youngsters who are ready to challenge the players from the top.
Also, he thinks Australia should get some big player soon from this promising generation of young stars who will start the successful circle after a drought that began after Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. Novak and Serena, I dont think its brain surgery to figure out the favorites, .
But with that being said, things can happen. Its a one-on-one sport so that prediction could go out the window this early on. Its really about whos in the best form and Serena is hungry to win. Novaks in great form.
Somebody is going to have to stop them. There is a sense and a feeling amongst players that the time is changing, a new guard is coming in and that gives a lot of hope. When I get asked whats wrong with tennis, I say Ill tell you whats wrong – Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – thats whats wrong.
They havent left much for anybody else. But it tends to go in waves. Weve seen it in many generations – Australians; they come along with a strong wave of tennis. Americans the same, Swedes the same, the Spanish the same.
So I think you guys have a bright future, those young lads who are doing you proud.
