Novak Djokovic stuns fans with surprise split with Long-time coach
The tennis world has reacted to the sad announcement from the World No.1.
Novak Djokovic has announced the end of a long partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic after six successful years together in the game. This season has been one of Djokovic’s most difficult starts having been eliminated at the Australian Open in the semi-final, before losing at Indian Wells in the round of 32.
The 36-year-old has admitted it has felt strange not winning a trophy so far and the season has taken another surprise twist with the 24-time grand slam winner and coach Ivanisevic parting ways after joining forces in 2018.
Ivanisevic was credited with helping Djokovic further develop his serve to become one of the most consistent and devastating weapons in the game. Having won all four grand slams playing under Ivanisevic, Djokovic took to social media to announce the news and his sadness in parting ways.
“I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team,” Djokovic wrote on Instagram. “It was back in 2018, and Marian and I were looking to innovate and bring some serve magic to our duo.
“In fact, not only we brought serve, but also lots of laughter, fun, year end No. 1 rankings, record breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams (and a few finals) to the count since then. Did I mention a bit of drama too?
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago. Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid. Thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”
Ivanisevic has been loyal to Djokovic throughout their partnership, which included Djokovic’s absence from tennis during the Covid-19 pandemic. It remains to be seen if Djokovic will hire a new coach now that he is in the twilight of his career.
The Serbian has made a number of big changes to his coaching team in recent months, which could signal his intention to take a more part-time approach on tour and purely focus on the grand slams. The tennis world reacted with a mixture of shock and sadness to Djokovic’s announcement with the duo looking likely they would stay together until the end of the Serbian’s illustrious career.
It’s been a time of big decisions and changes from Novak Djokovic.
At the end of last year, he stopped working with long time agent Edoardo Artaldi and Elena Cappellaro.
Now Goran Ivanisevic.
Curious so see if he still hires a well known coach for what’s left.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) March 27, 2024
This is a suprise
Well changes are needed
The younger ones are beating him— Atinuke Esan (@SucreMamito124) March 27, 2024
It’s always tough to see partnerships end, but change can lead to new opportunities for growth and success. Excited to see what’s next for both Djokovic and Ivanišević!
— Michael Johnson (@mikej027) March 27, 2024
Strange year so far for Djokovic. He only played the AO and IW, and was not good in California
Sounds like he might only play a part time schedule and point for the majors and Olympics— Maria Panova (@notsleeeping) March 27, 2024
Yep, this seems to confirm that Djokovic is winding down his career now. Ivanisevic was totally committed to a full schedule with him.
— James R Kennedy (@CannyJimKenny) March 27, 2024
Sad to hear this. Goran brought so much power and edge to Novak’s game. I’m going to miss seeing him in the Djokovic box. https://t.co/bE1Eyec1M7
— Archana (@ArchisticMind) March 27, 2024
Novak Djokovic laments brutal 2024 start
The World No.1 has not enjoyed the best start to his season having relinquished his treasured Australian Open title to Jannik Sinner. He also exited Indian Wells in his second match, which took him to 8-3 to start the season. This prompted Djokovic to take a break from tennis until the clay court season.
“No titles this year, that’s not something I’m used to,” he said after his Indian Wells loss. “I was starting the season most of my career with a grand slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any tournament,” he said.
“I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great, obviously to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I’m having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best.” After his withdrawal from the Miami Open, Djokovic admitted he was going through a tough period.
“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule. I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world,” he said.
