‘He Will Always Be Family’- Novak Djokovic Releases a Statement After Cutting Ties With Marian Vajda

Yesterday, 2nd February, Novak Djokovic parted ways with his long-time coach Marian Vajda. The split was announced on the former World No. 1’s official website. The two gave a thought on their split at the end of the 2021 season. Djokovic and Marian also had a brief split in 2017, but soon came back together. In 2019, Goran Ivanisevic, who will continue working with Djokovic, joined Djokovic’s coaching camp.

Having worked with Djokovic since the beginning, Vajda played one of the most important roles in Djokovic’s success. In an association of 15 years, Vajda supported Djokovic by guiding him on every step during his run to 20 Grand Slams and 361 weeks as World No. 1. Addressing Marian’s exit, Djokovic went all heart for the Slovakian coach.

Djokovic on Marian Vajda

Addressing the vital role played by Marian in his career, Novak spoke from his heart, giving out the warmest of the words for his association 15-year long association. “Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career. Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years.”

Even though people part ways professionally, what is carried with them throughout their life is the relationship and the bond shared between them. The Serbian champion is no less. Addressing his professional split with Marian Vajda, the former World No. 1 said, “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.”

Djokovic turned pro in 2003. However, the Serbian did not win any title for the first three years. In 2006, Marian Vajda joined him. Getting along together, the two moved ahead, with Djokovic winning the first two titles of his career in the same year. From 2006 to 2021, the two achieved some of the best and biggest results of Djokovic’s career.

Novak Djokovic in 2022

After having a highly successful run in 2021, Novak Djokovic was expected to kick off his 2022 season at the Australian Open. However, following his vaccination rift with the Australian government, the defending champion was pulled out of the Grand Slam and deported from the country.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Novak Djokovic Parts Ways With Long-Time Coach Marian Vajda

Failing to defend his Melbourne crown, a disappointed Djokovic looked forward to starting his season at the ATP 500 Dubai. Eyeing his 6th title at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Centre, Novak entered the tournament as the top seed. Looking confident with his game, the 5-time champion cruised through the first two rounds. However, the run was short-lived as he was stunned out in the quarterfinals by the Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely.

The loss in Dubai came at a higher cost than just a tournament loss. Following his quarter-final loss, the Serbian went down from the top spot in the ATP rankings, with Daniil Medvedev becoming the new World No. 1.