"He will always be family" - Novak Djokovic on coach Marian Vajda after the two part ways
Novak Djokovic and his long-time coach Marian Vajda have parted ways after 15 years together on tour. Sasa Ozmo of Tennis Majors reported that the two decided to end their partnership after last year's ATP Finals.
Vajda guided Djokovic to all 20 of his Slam titles, amongst numerous other accolades. As things stand, the Slovak is the most successful coach in the history of men's tennis.
The World No. 2 released a statement hailing Vajda's presence in his corner. While acknowledging that Vajda will no longer be part of his coaching team, Djokovic stressed how he would always treat the 56-year-old as "family."
"Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," Novak Djokovic said in a statement published by Sasa Ozmo. "Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years. 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."
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#Djokovic on Vajda: “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".
Full quote 👇🏻 https://t.co/SlV8W6hoTb
The exact reasons behind the split are unclear. But given that it took place after the 2021 ATP Finals, it is unlikely that the Serb's performances or vaccination status had much to do with it.
"I remain his biggest support on and off the court" - Marian Vajda on Novak Djokovic
Marian Vajda issued a statement of his own, which was also published by Sasa Ozmo on Twitter.
The legendary coach marveled at Djokovic's development under his tutelage. He also expressed pride at all the success they achieved together, before suggesting that he is now open to "new challenges."
"During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today," Marian Vajda said. "I will look back on our time together with immense pride and am so very thankful for the success we have achieved. I remain his biggest support on and off the court and look forward to new challenges."
Vajda on #Djokovic: I remain his biggest support on and off the court.
Full quote 👇🏻 https://t.co/RwFKkt08Eg
As things stand, the rest of Djokovic’s team remains the same – Goran Ivanisevic as the head coach, Ulises Badio and Miljan Amanovic as the Serb's physios, and fitness coach, Marco Panichi.
It remains to be seen whether the Serb will replace Vajda or stick with his current team. There is also a chance of Vajda returning to the World No. 2's team in the future, just like he did in 2018 after the pair briefly parted ways.