Djokovic separates from his coach after 15 years partnership

Serbian Novak Djokovic, who lost his top spot in the world rankings, revealed that he separated from his Slovak coach, Marian Vaida, after a 15-year relationship, after the final tournament in Turin at the end of last year.

"After 15 years of pioneering work together, we can confirm that Marian Vaida and Novak Djokovic have ended their professional partnership," read a statement on the official website of the world number two yesterday.

He continued, "The two agreed to end their partnership last year, after the ATP Finals in Turin. Marian played a key role within Novak's team, supporting it to achieve 20 Grand Slam titles and placing it at the top of the rankings for 361 weeks, a first of its kind."

Djokovic, 34, began working with the Slovak in 2006 when he was still a teenager, knowing that they separated for a year in 2017. The 20-times major said on the site, “Marianne was by my side during the most important and beautiful times of my career. We achieved amazing things together and I am grateful for his friendship and commitment over 15 years.”

He was not in Djokovic's team in Australia earlier this year before the player was deported and prevented him from defending his first Grand Slam title, due to a visa dispute for not receiving the anti-Coronavirus vaccine.

"During my time with Novak, I was fortunate to see him transform into the player he is today," said Vaidya, 56. "I will look back at those times together with pride."

Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news