Djokovic confirms split with Vajda – “He will always be family”

Statements from Djokovic and his longtime coach highlight the tremendous affection shared between the two, but also the finality of the separation.

Marian Vajda and Novak Djokovic © Tennis Mag / Panoramic

Chris Oddo

March 2, 2022

Yesterday we revealed that Novak Djokovic and his long-time coach Marian Vajda had parted ways, with the decision having been made last November after the ATP finals.

Today, we have statements from both parties that bring to light the finality of their parting.

“Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career. Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years,” Djokovic said. “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.”

Goran Ivanisevic, who was added to the team at Wimbledon in 2019, will remain as head coach, while the rest of Djokovic’s team remains the same – physiotherapists Ulises Badio and Miljan Amanovic, and fitness coach Marco Panichi.

Vajda: I will look back with immense pride

The pair’s incredibly productive partnership began in 2006, and Vajda has been at Djokovic’s side for the last decade and a half, save for a brief split that occurred in 2017 and ended when Vajda returned to the fold ahead of the clay season in 2018.

All of Djokovic’s 20 Grand Slam titles came with Vajda present. Vajda says he considers himself lucky to have had a front row seat to watch one of the greatest players in tennis history for a decade and a half.

“During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today. 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.”