Novak Djokovic announced on Wednesday that he is no longer working with coach Goran Ivansevic.
Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion, had been a part of Djokovic’s team since 2018. The Croat co-coached with Marian Vajda for multiple years before becoming Djokovic’s primary coach when Vajda left in the spring of 2022.
“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 no1 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? 🎢🫣😊#Nolefam would know 🤫”.
Twelve majors under Ivanisevic’s guidance have taken Djokovic to a record 24 for his career. Dating back to 2018, the 36-year-old has finished with the No. 1 ranking four times in the last six seasons.
“Our on court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid,” Djokovic continued. “In fact, I am proud to say (not sure he is 🤪) that apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in Parchisi going on… for many years. And – that tournament never stops for us.
“Šefinjo, thanks for everything my friend. Love you.🫂”
The top-ranked Serb has gotten off to a rocky start to the 2024 campaign. He lost to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals and to Luca Nardi in the Indian Wells third round. He then withdrew from the Miami Open, instead opting to prepare for the clay-court swing.
beginning of the end?
looks like it.
Good chance for Nadal to catch up with the GOAT….
I don’t think this a big deal at all; Djokovic is capable of coaching himself now and doesn’t need that kind of support at the backend of his playing career.
Goran, most likely provided support, training, motivation, encouragement and an extra pair of eyes. With his lighter schedule, he doesn’t need that now.
I’m sort of in the middle. Not quite there yet on the beginning of the end.
But this is no small development. He still needs someone.
There were already signs that Goran didn’t understand the situation during the Australian Open, and Djokovic probably realized that he doesn’t need that around him during the back end of his career when he’s the one who knows what he can and can’t do.
You don’t need someone around you expecting you to win every time when you know that’s unrealistic; it just becomes an annoyance.
Djokovic needs to deal with the situation on his own for a while and then maybe find someone else who’s better suited to the task.
He already has someone, Nenad Zimonjić, he was seen with him these days in Belgrade practicing.
Growing up Zimonjic was the player Novak and others respected very much.
Zimonjic is a better volleyer? Worth a try.
Knowing Djokovic, this probably isn’t what it seems. We will find out soon enough what he’s up to.
True you know; a leopard never changes its spots!
“….this probably isn’t what it seems….”?
What exactly “isn’t as it seems “, it’s not a rocket science, the man parted his way with his coach, nothing out of ordinary in every day tennis, and by his own words still hasn’t decided who is going to be his next coach if any.
He will soon be 37 years of age, this is most likely his last season, he is not going to drag his feet like the other three members of 3+1 team. He is aiming at Olympics and my bet is that after Olympics he will retire, there is nothing to chase anymore, no records to break (he breaking his own records now), hardly any motivation, playing with the kids that were not born when he turned professional is hardli any motivation.