MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic split with his long-time coach Marian Vajda at the end of the 2021 season, ending one of tennis’s most enduring and successful partnerships, the Serbian former world number one said.
Slovak Vajda has been a near-constant through Djokovic’s career, helping him to 20 Grand Slam titles and an unprecedented 361 weeks as the top-ranked player.
“Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career,” Djokovic said on his website.
“Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years.
“While he might be leaving the professional team he will always be family and I can’t thank him enough for all he has done.”
The pair parted ways after the ATP Finals in Turin, a statement on Djokovic’s website said.
Croatian former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined Djokovic’s coaching team in 2019 and will continue to work closely with the Serb.
“During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today,” said Vajda.
“I will look back on our time together with immense pride and am so very thankful for the success we have achieved.
“I remain his biggest support on and off the court and look forward to new challenges.”
Djokovic lost his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev this week after suffering a shock 6-4 7-6(4) defeat by Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely in the Dubai Tennis Championships quarter-finals.
Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January and compete for a record 21st Grand Slam crown after being deported from the country over his lack of COVID-19 vaccination.
Spanish rival Rafa Nadal won the Melbourne Park tournament and took a record 21st Grand Slam crown in his absence.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
