‘It Was a Terrible Feeling’ – Former Coach Marian Vajda on Playing Against Novak Djokovic at French Open 2022

It was the French Open 2022. Novak Djokovic had entered the second round of the tournament and was due to face Alex Molcan of Slovakia. The match held much significance, as the Serb was also up against his former coach, Marian Vajda, who had joined Molcan’s team following a split with Djokovic. The 20-time Grand Slam champion defeated Molcan in straight sets.

Marian Vajda was a long-time coach of Djokovic. The two started working together in 2006. Vajda was a part of Djokovic’s team during all of his 20 Grand Slam title victories. It had gone on to become one of the most successful partnerships in tennis. Djokovic and Vajda announced a split following the end of last season. Recently, Vajda opened up about facing Djokovic at the French Open 2022.

Marian Vajda on maintaining a good relationship with Novak Djokovic

During an interview, the 57-year-old talked about his emotions while being up against Djokovic. He said, “It is strange, obviously. First of all, it was very strange in Paris (Molcan faced Djokovic in the second round of the French Open), to be in the opposing box. It was a terrible feeling, I have to be honest. I felt so bad, Novak also felt very bad. We stay in touch, communicate and send messages to each other. Our relationship is still very good.”

Further, he added, “I sent him a message saying ‘Congratulations’!!. He played a very good match. I told him that Alex is improving, he agreed and told me: ‘He should have attacked my second serve more’. And I was like: ‘My God, you are crazy, you are unbelievable’. He is telling me tactics against himself, hahaha.”

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Talking about Djokovic’s chances at Wimbledon, Vajda went on to add, “It was very nice of him to give me some tips on how to improve Alex’s game. He helped me to understand Alex’s game better. It is tough to play against Novak and to be in the tournament where Novak is – I always support him and I want him to win Wimbledon.”

Djokovic advances at the Wimbledon Championships 2022

The former World Number 1 has entered the third round of the grass-court Grand Slam tournament. In the second round, he defeated Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets.

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He will next face compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the third round. Their match will take place later today.