Novak Djokovic mutually splits with long time coach Marian Vajda


Novak Djokovic mutually splits with long time coach Marian Vajda

Marian Vajda and Novak Djokovic

Serbian 20-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic can’t seem to catch a break. In an interesting turn of events, the former World No.1 has apparently parted way with longtime coach Marian Vajda. The Slovakian coach was an integral part of Djokovic’s team for the last few years and the duo scaled new heights together during their partnership.

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It is reported that the split with Vajda isn’t because of the vaccination saga surrounding Djokovic since the last couple of months, rather, the two had mutually decided to split after the ATP Finals in Turin last year. In fact, during the Australian Open saga, Vajda defended his pupil in a lengthy interview.

Vajda, who is one of the most decorated coaches in tennis history, is currently 57-years old said that at this moment in time, he wanted to spend more time with his family and hence decided to part ways with Djokovic. As of now, Goran Ivanisevic, who was added to Djokovic’s team during Wimbledon 2019, is the main man in Team Nole. Other than Vajda’s departure, the rest of Djokovic’s team stays the same – coach Ivanisevic, physiotherapists Ulises Badio and Miljan Amanovic, and fitness coach Marco Panichi.

Vajda is considered to be one of the most important reasons behind Djokovic’s success. He was an integral part of Djokovic’s life for more than 15 years. In fact, the Slovak has been a part of every single one of Djokovic’s 20 major titles- speaking volumes of his importance.

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Djokovic likely to miss Indian Wells and Miami Masters

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

There is still no clarity of Djokovic’s upcoming schedule given his vaccination status. Most of the tournaments around the world are making vaccination mandatory as a criterion to compete whereas Djokovic remains adamant that he won’t get vaccinated. He started his season last week at Dubai where he made it to the quarterfinals before losing to qualifier Jiri Vesely.

He is currently on the entry list of the Indian Wells and Miami Masters but will likely miss both tournaments due to USA’s strict vaccination rules. As of now, he is confirmed for the ATP 250 event at Belgrade and could even compete at the Monte Carlo Masters.

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