World No. 2 Novak Djokovic has parted ways with long-time coach Marian Vajda for the second time in his career.
Vajda, 56, first started working with Djokovic in 2006 when he was still in his teens and has helped oversee much of the 20-time Grand Slam winner's rampant success.
The Slovak has served as Djokovic's head trainer for much of their time together and has been a consistent feature among his team since then, except for a temporary split in 2017.
It was during that spell that 'Nole' briefly parted company with Vajda while he endured a dip in form amid some off-court issues.
The duo reunited in 2018 before Djokovic proceeded to win eight out of 12 majors he participated in over the next three years, just missing out on a calendar Grand Slam in 2021.
Having recently surrendered his spot at the head of the ATP rankings, the 34-year-old appears to be in the mood for change after his exclusion from the Australian Open made for an awkward start to this year.
A nine-time champion in Melbourne, Djokovic was deported from Australia in January and prevented from defending his title due to the fact he's yet to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
"Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," said the Serb as he explained this latest change to his coaching arrangement.
"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."
Vajda has taken a less prominent role in Djokovic's coaching since former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined his staff in 2019.
Tennis legend Boris Becker also served as Djokovic's head coach from 2013 until 2016, though Vajda remained part of his entourage throughout.
As for what's next for the Slovak mentor following his second split from the out-of-form tennis titan, he suggested he's intent to find a new position and wished Djokovic well for the future.
"During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today," Vajda said in a statement.
"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 made his 2022 debut at the Dubai Tennis Championships last month but suffered a surprise straight-sets quarter-final defeat to Jiri Vesely, who finished as runner-up to Russia's Andrey Rublev.
Daniil Medvedev is the new world No. 1 as of Monday, and there are concerns Djokovic's unvaccinated status may prevent him from competing at certain tournaments as he seeks to reclaim the summit.
The Grand Slam veteran has insisted he's not 'anti-vaccination' but won't defend his Wimbledon or French Open crowns later this year if he has to receive the jab in order to do so.
