“He wanted a smaller team,” Novak Djokovic’s former coach Marian Vajda talks about their relationship since splitting
Marian Vajda gave his insights on the relationship with Novak Djokovic and how they are still in touch.
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Marian Vajda and Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is considered as one of the best players in the world. However, he did not become World No.1 overnight. It took lots of hard-work, sweat, pain and some motivation and learning from his coaches. Marian Vajda had the longest tenure with the Serb coaching him and going through all highs and lows in life.
Novak Djokovic and Marian Vajda had a strong relationship for more than 15 years, but it came to an abrupt end in 2021. However, the current World No.1 and the superstar coach continue to keep a healthy relationship with each other despite not working professionally.
In a recent interview, Marian Vajda shared his opinions about the Serbian and his contribution in the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s career.
“We spent 15 years together. He decided to play fewer tournaments and be with a smaller team, and Goran (Ivanisevic) is number one on the team. It was a very difficult separation on an emotional level for both, but life goes on and Novak continues to be Novak. He’s stabilizing, he knows how to train, how to get along with Goran. I’m fine, he’s fine. And that’s how it has to be,” he said.
On the question of whether the two are still in touch with each other, the Slovak mentioned how he and Novak still interact with each other. He congratulated Novak Djokovic for his victory in Melbourne.
“Yeah. I keep in touch with him, we chat often on Whatsapp and exchange messages. Last time he sent me a soccer video. I always write to him after a success and also at other times. And then Australia was no exception,” he continued.
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Marian Vajda compares Novak Djokovic with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Marian Vajda met superstar footballer Diego Maradona in Abu Dhabi, UAE in 2008. He was coaching Novak Djokovic at that time. The great Argentinian called upon the Slovak to him and told him“coach, you are going to train the No. 1 in the world,”. The Serbian attained No.1 spot in 2011 only after winning the Wimbledon title.
However, the Serb was throughout his career compared with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. However, his coach thinks that each member of The Big Three is unique in many ways.
“They are different. When it comes to tennis, everyone has their surface: Rafa loves clay, Roger hard courts, Nole grass. They are different styles and strategies of how to face the tournaments. They always play well and the objectives are the same: to be the best. They always want more and more and go forward. For 15-20 years they were and still are the best. There the mentality is the key and I think the rivalry helped them: it is the fuel they have to continue,” he added further.
After ending his working relationship with Novak Djokovic, the Slovak player is currently coach of Alex Molcan. He is ranked 52nd in the World. However, the Slovak has great expectations from him.
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Abhar Indorkar
(451 Articles Published)