Djokovic separates from his coach after 15 years

Paris (AFP)
Serbian Novak Djokovic, who lost his top spot in the world rankings at the weekend, revealed that he has separated from his Slovak coach, Marian Vaida, following a 15-year relationship, following the ATP Finals in Turin at the end of last year.
“After 15 years of pioneering work together, we can confirm that Marian Vaida and Novak Djokovic have ended their professional partnership,” said a statement on the official website of the world number two on Tuesday.
He continued, “The two agreed to end their partnership last year, following the final tournament in Turin. Marian played a key role within Novak’s team, supporting it to achieve 20 titles in the Grand Slam and occupying the top spot for 361 weeks, in a first of its kind.”
Djokovic, 34, began working with the Slovakian in 2006 when he was still a teenager, knowing that they separated for a year in 2017.
“Marianne has been by my side during the most important and beautiful times of my career, we have achieved amazing things together and I am grateful for his friendship and commitment over 15 years,” said the 20-times major on the site.
Vaida stopped working with Noli following the final tournament, in which the Serbian was eliminated from the semi-finals.
He was not in Djokovic’s team in Australia earlier this year before the player was deported and prevented from defending his title in his first Grand Slam, due to a visa dispute for not receiving the anti-Coronavirus vaccine.
“During my time with Novak, I was fortunate to see him transform into the player he is today, and I will look back on these times together with pride,” said Vaidya, 56.