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Djokovic and Ivanišević won nine Grand Slam titles together

Photo: Charles Baus / ZUMA Wire / IMAGO

Novak Djokovic has ended his collaboration with Croatian coach Goran Ivanišević after five years together. The tennis professional announced this in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

"Goran and I decided a few days ago not to work together anymore," wrote the 36-year-old Djokovic: "Our chemistry on the court had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid." He thanks his "friend" for that everything and ended his statement with: “Love you.”

The 52-year-old Croatian Ivanišević has been part of the Serb's support team since 2019. During their collaboration, the Serb won nine Grand Slam tournaments. The 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner Djokovic referred to the numerous shared successes – “and also a bit of drama”. Djokovic's attempt to win his 25th Grand Slam singles title ended with a loss to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the Australian Open in January.

Ivanišević always talked humorously about the collaboration. After Djokovic's 23rd title at one of the big four tournaments, the coach reported with a wink at the French Open in Paris: "He's not an easy boy, especially when something doesn't go his way. But we are there to be beaten. We are here to make him feel better, perform better. Sometimes it's not easy, sometimes it's very complicated.«

Ivanisevic won Wimbledon in 2001

Recently, the season didn't go as usual for Djokovic. After the semi-final exit at the Australian Open, there was a surprising third-round defeat against outsider Luca Nardi in Indian Wells. He did not compete at the Miami Open to limit the number of tournaments he plays in this year. Now Djokovic will prepare for the clay court season and aim for his fourth title at the French Open, which runs from May 26 to June 9.

Ivanišević was also a successful tennis professional himself. The Croatian won Wimbledon in 2001 and had previously reached the finals in 1992, 1994 and 1998. In 1994 he was number two in the world rankings, the highest ranking of his career.

mrk/dpa/Reuters