Novak Djokovic has confirmed his second split from long-time coach Marian Vajda.
A statement released via the Serbian star’s official website revealed that the duo had agreed to part ways following the season-ending ATP Tour Finals in Turin in November, where Djokovic lost in the semi-finals.
Djokovic and Vajda had worked together for 15 years, with the former establishing a reputation as one of the greatest tennis players of all time during that period with 20 Grand Slam singles titles and a record 361 weeks as the men’s world No1.
They briefly went their separate ways in 2017 before reuniting the following year.
“Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career,” Djokovic said. “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.”
While Djokovic is no longer working with Vajda, his statement confirmed that Croatia’s 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic would continue to play a “hugely important role” within this coaching team moving forward.
Ivanisevic joined forces with Djokovic in 2019, having previously worked with the likes of Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic.
Vajda said: “During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today. 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Djokovic - who was deported from Melbourne in January after his Visa was revoked in a row over his vaccine status - is no longer the men’s world No1 after his marathon run was ended by Russia’s reigning US Open champion Daniil Medvedev earlier this week.
His 20 Slams achieved alongside Vajda was previously a joint-record with fellow ‘Big Three’ members Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, until the latter moved one clear of his rivals by coming back from two sets down against Medvedev to win his first Australian Open title since 2009 in dramatic fashion.
