After 15 years of service and 20 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic has split with Marian Vajda, his coach.
Djokovic posted a statement on Tuesday that stated that the men had “agreed not to continue their partnership” following last year’s season-ending ATP Finals.
Djokovic stated in the posting that Marian has been there for me during the most memorable and important moments of my career. “We have accomplished some amazing things together and I am extremely grateful for his friendship over the past 15 years. Although he is leaving the professional team, he will be a part of my family forever and I cannot thank him enough.
Djokovic, 34, from Serbia, has also been a part of the team’s coaching staff since 2019.
Vajda and Djokovic took a break in 2017, but were reunited in 2017.
“During my time working with Novak, it was a privilege to see him become the player that he is today. Vajda stated in the post on Djokovic’s site that he will remember our time together with great pride and be so grateful for all the successes we achieved. I am his greatest supporter on and off the court, and I look forward for new challenges.”
Djokovic had fallen out of the No. 1 ranking on the day before the announcement. Djokovic dropped to No. 1 for the first time since 2012, and has now fallen to No. 2 behind Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic’s total 361 weeks at the top of the ATP is a record. His seven seasons at No. 1.
Roger Federer holds the record for second most men’s singles titles with 20; Rafael Nadal has more, having won his 21st at The Australian Open in January.
Djokovic was expelled from Australia and he is not permitted to defend his title at Melbourne Park as he has not been vaccinated for COVID-19.
He has only played in one tournament in 2022, losing to Jiri Vessels in the quarterfinals at the Dubai Championships last Wednesday. has stated that he will not get the vaccine shots even though he may need them to play in events like the French Open and Wimbledon.
