Mejdedovic is like lentils, you have to cook him slowly

Fernando Murciego | 17 Apr 2025 | 22.00

Interview with Jorge Aguirre, coach of Hamad Medjedovic. Source: Punto de Break

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Whatever happens in the future, the name of Jorge Aguirre (San Sebastián, 1973) will always be linked to that of Alejandro Davidovich, his first project as a coach, the longest -up to now- and the most meritorious. However, their paths diverged long ago in search of new horizons. Why did they part ways after 14 years? It is a good question that maybe will be answered later on. The point is that the man from San Sebastián started a new journey this season with a profile that also combines youth, talent, ambition, and that elusive X factor.

We are talking about Hamad Medjedovic, a 21-year-old Serbian who practically challenged him to take charge of his career. 'I know you like a challenge like mine,' threw the champion of the #NextGen Finals 2023, a bait that Jorge gladly took at the end of the last season. This is how they went from #120 to #60 in just four months, landing on the clay court tour with the tranquility of someone sailing in the right direction. At the Conde de Godó 2025, their adventure lasted four matches, from the Qualy until they crossed paths with the reigning champion, Casper Ruud. However, if there is one thing the coach is sure about, it is that they do not rush. In this case, time will be their greatest ally. Let's move on to a standard interview.

A Spaniard coaching a Serb, one of the most exotic combinations on the circuit.

Tennis is a sport, one must put nationalities aside and focus on people. When you see a young boy who can fit in with your way of being, your challenges, and your way of understanding life, what else matters? It's about coming together and starting to work.

How did you come to him?

We had a conversation at the time, and it was very clear to me. I imagined he would have many 'suitors' among coaches to choose from because he is one of the best projects existing today... but I also had other options. I remember asking him: 'Why should I choose you?' And the guy told me: 'First, because you like a challenge like mine.'

(Laughs)

And second, he knows that I want, someday, to write a book telling all my stories, so he said to me: 'I think with me, you can finish your book.' Not much more was needed; that convinced me.