Will You Be Novak The Great Or Novak The Djoker?

Novak Djokovic has much to learn. If I were fortunate enough to coach this young Serb, I would give him some tips.

Firstly, Novak, your talent is limitless.

A year ago your fans were ready to anoint you the heir to Roger Federer's throne. They understand your capabilities, have witnessed your amazing talent, and see you as a champion.

You need to know this and embrace it.

Secondly, you are not the "bad boy" of tennis. You are too likable.

Mimicking the two best players in the world—even though you have won matches against them once or twice—is not advisable.

Let me rephrase that.  One should never mimic or call out Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer. 

John McEnroe, Marat Safin, Jimmy Connors, and Ilie Nastase were "bad boys." They were all famous for their over-the-top antics and outrageous personalities.

On the court, they weren't likable.

Novak, you have a great personality and people are drawn to you. Taking on Andy Roddick and mocking him on his home soil is neither advisable nor true “bad boy" behavior.  It's just career suicide. 

However, lately you have been very gracious towards your opponents. 

This is a step in the right direction.

Thirdly, you're a superstar. I understand the lure of taking part in the abundance of photo opportunities, but remember, you're also a professional athlete.

Going out to nightclubs and partying the night away before your matches will get you eliminated during the early rounds. Think Marat Safin. Be a professional.

Lastly, from now on, you should pledge to never retire from a match. Unless you've lost a limb, or experienced some other horrific circumstance, don't quit.

Roger Federer has gone an entire career without quitting, and no other quality player has retired as much as you have.

You see, Novak, you can hit 1,000 winners and 900 aces, but you will never garner the respect you deserve if you quit matches while down a set.

Some say your success has been too much, too soon, and that it came before you were ready.

Hogwash, it came when it came, because you saw the chance and seized upon it.

You've had a small taste of success during the 2007 U.S. Open and won the trophy at the Australian Open.

Winning grand slams is your job, and you have the talent to do it.

The ATP is filled with wasted talent. We have seen players with all the skill in the world and nothing between their ears. We have heard the stories about gifted players and child prodigies that never realized their potential. 

It is an all-too-common story.

Don’t go down that road. 

You have tasted greatness, Novak.  Now it's time to embrace it.