“You will always be part of my family and I can’t thank you enough.” Novak Djokovic (34) addressed these words to his ex-coach Marian Vajda (57) in early March. After 15 years (including a one-year break), the collaboration between the world number one and his successful coach ended. With him, the Serb won all 20 Grand Slam titles.
The reason for the separation was not yet known. Now Vajda creates clarity: “It was a combination of several reasons,” reveals the 57-year-old. Djokovic’s focus was increasingly on the Grand Slam tournaments, which is why he no longer needed so many people in his entourage: “He wanted to reduce the team and only have one coach.”
“It was a friendly split”
He never asked his former protégé directly how the decision came to only work with Goran Ivanisevic (50). “After looking at his tournament calendar, I assumed that he wanted to downsize the team and therefore chose Goran,” the Slovakian continues. It makes no sense to have two coaches when the focus is mainly on the four biggest tournaments.
However, there will be no War of the Roses. “Novak and I are still friends, it was a friendly separation.” Already at the award ceremony after the final of the ATP tournament in Belgrade, which Djokovic lostthe two hugged each other again and laughed together.
Vajda already has a new one
Vajda, who was once world No. 34 himself, has since found a new coaching job. The Slovakian Alex Molcan (ATP 527) now enjoys the expertise of his compatriot. “I’m extremely happy that he accepted my offer and is taking care of my tennis,” announced the 24-year-old on Instagram on Wednesday.
Vajda is also looking forward to the task: “I’m glad that I will train the best Slovakian tennis player. I had a lot of offers, but I wanted to help a Slovak player – that gave me energy.” (che)