Sadly, Novak Djokovic announces the end of his long-term partnership.
The tennis community was taken aback when Novak Djokovic unexpectedly revealed that his long-term relationship was ending.
The top-ranked tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, said on Wednesday night that he and Goran Ivanisevic were splitting up.
Prior to the 2019 grass court Grand Slam, Djokovic enlisted the 2001 Wimbledon winner from Croatia as a part of the coaching staff. The Serbian player acknowledged that their “on-court chemistry had its ups and downs,” but it also produced enormous results.
During their five-year romance, the couple shared twelve grand slam victories.
Before Djokovic stormed back to the top of the men’s rankings, the two remained close over some difficult times in his life.
It happens two years after Djokovic and his longtime mentor Marian Vajda parted ways as well.
Vajda spent 14 years coaching Djokovic.
Rumors of marital adultery have been swirling around Djokovic’s off-court life in recent years, following his wife Jelena’s lengthy disappearance from his traveling entourage.
When things aren’t going his way on the court, Djokovic has always found a way to fight back, but at 36 years old, this year might be his hardest challenge to find another spark.
Compared to his usual high standards, Djokovic’s year has started poorly. In the Australian Open semifinals, he was defeated by Italy’s Jannik Sinner, the eventual victor.
After losing to Sinner’s little-known countryman Luca Nardi in the third round at Indian Wells, the 36-year-old Serbian withdrew from the Miami tournament, citing schedule conflicts as his excuse.
Djokovic wrote on Instagram, “A few days ago, Goran and I decided to stop working together.”
Although there were ups and downs in our on-court chemistry, our friendship remained unwavering.
He spoke about the online game, saying, “In fact, I am proud to say (not sure he is) that apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in Parchisi going on… for many years.”
And for us, the competition never ends. I’m grateful for everything, dear friend Sefinjo. I cherish you.
Djokovic claimed that Ivanisevic, who was erratic and charismatic, had given more to the collaboration than just his tennis skills, which was precisely what he and his former head coach Marian Vajda had been searching for.
“I can still clearly recall the time I asked Goran to join my team,” Djokovic remarked.
Back in 2018, Marian (Vajda) and I wanted to shake things up and add some sparkle to our partnership.
“In actuality, since then, we have added 12 additional Grand Slams (as well as a few finals) to the record, along with a ton of laughter and pleasure, year-end no. 1 rankings, and record-breaking accomplishments to the list.
In 2023, Djokovic achieved three grand slam victories, increasing his career major total to 24.
Ivanisevic was never named the ATP Tour coach of the year, despite their enormous success.
When Ivanisevic was passed up for the prize in December, Djokovic was not happy. Australian Darren Cahill won the prize for his role in assisting Jannik Sinner’s ascent through the ATP Tour rankings.
Djokovic then posted on Instagram, “Congratulations to Darren and Simone for a great season with Jannik.”
“Goran, I suppose we have to win four straight Slams for you to perhaps (very possibly) be named coach of the year. It is insufficient, my dear coach, to win Year End #1, three Grand Slams, the World Tour Finals, and to create history in this sport.
In May, when the French Open gets underway, Novak Djokovic will have another opportunity to add to his collection of major slam victories.
