Novak Djokovic sacks his coaching team
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Updated 05/05/2017 at 10:46 GMT
World No. 2 tennis player Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he has parted company with his coaching team ahead of the French Open.
Novak Djokovic à Monte-Carlo en 2017.
Image credit: Getty Images
The 29-year-old will no longer work with coach Marian Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch or physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic, but the Serbian released a statement thanking the trio for the part they have played in his success over recent years.
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Marian Vajda and Novak Djokovic
Image credit: Getty Images
“I am forever grateful to Marian, GG and Miljan for decade of friendship, professionalism and commitment to my career goals,” Djokovic said. “Without their support I couldn’t have achieved these professional heights. I know they completely dedicated themselves and their lives to help me achieve my dreams and they were always my driving force and wind in my back.
“It was not an easy decision, but we all felt that we need a change. I am very grateful and proud of our relationship and unbreakable bond that we built through years of mutual love, respect and understanding. They are my family and that will never change.”
Djokovic dominated the men's game in the first half of last year, seemingly cementing his status as the best player in the world. But victory at last year's French Open proved to be a final high point of the season, with Novak's forming tailing off so dramatically that he lost his World No. 1 ranking to Andy Murray in November.
And 2017 has also started slowly for Djokovic, with a title at the Qatar Open in early January the only time he has gone beyond the quarter-finals at five tournaments so far this year.
Such a slide in form led to coach Vajda admitting that it is best for all parties to move on:
We arrived to the point where we all realised we need new energy in the team. Novak can do so much more and I am sure he will. I am convinced that he will remain at the top of the tennis for many years and that he will bring a lot of joy to all the tennis fans around the world with his victories. Of course, we will continue consulting each other, seeing each other and hanging out together because after all, we are a family.
Replacement coaches have not yet been named, although Djokovic has described his reshuffle as "shock therapy", hinting at a new appointment.
However, in the immediate future Djokovic has confirmed that he will tour without a coach:
I have been on the tour long enough to know how to manage daily routines and I don’t want to rush my decision. I will be on the tour alone for a while with support of my family and management. I will inform the public when I find the right person, but for now I thank you for your support and understanding.
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