Novak Djokovic splits with long-term coach Marian Vajda, rest of coaching team to stay in place
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ByEurosport
Updated 02/03/2022 at 09:13 GMT
Novak Djokovic has made a change to his coaching team, with Marian Vajda leaving the Serb's stable. The 56-year-old Slovak was Djokovic’s coach from 2006 to 2017 - working alongside Boris Becker between 2013 and 2016 - and after a short hiatus re-established that relationship in 2018. Vajda has previously stated his wish to spend more time with his family.
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Novak Djokovic has split from long-term coach Marian Vajda.
The 56-year-old Vajda had scaled back his role after Goran Ivanisevic was added to Djokovic's coaching staff for Wimbledon in 2019, accompanying his charge to fewer tournaments - but now comes the news of a clean break. Vajda did not attend the recent Dubai Tennis Championships nor accompany Djokovic to Melbourne for his ill-fated tilt at the Australian Open.
Sasa Ozmo of Tennis Majors revealed the development had actually been mutually agreed back in late 2021, with his report stating that Djokovic will retain the services of Ivanisevic, physiotherapists Ulises Badio and Miljan Amanovic, and fitness co-ordinator Marco Panichi.
Djokovic then confirmed the split with Vajda on Twitter on Wednesday: "What a journey Marian.15 years! You have been by my side during the most important & memorable moments. We have achieved the unachievable & I will forever be grateful for your friendship & dedication. You will always be my family & I can’t thank you enough for everything."
The news comes days after Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat to world No. 123 Jiri Vesely in Dubai, meaning he lost the world No. 1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev.
That was Djokovic’s first tournament of the season and it is unclear where he will play next due to his inability to enter many tournaments without being vaccinated. He will not be able to play in either of the upcoming ATP 1000 events in Indian Wells or Miami respectively.
As well as losing the world No. 1 ranking, Djokovic has seen Rafael Nadal move ahead of him in the Grand Slam race this year after he won the Australian Open.
Nadal lifted his 21st major title in Melbourne to edge one ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer.
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