Novak Djokovic has made the shock announcement on Instagram that he and long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic have ended their partnership after five years.
Djokovic and the Croatian legend have proven one of the most potent player-coach duos in tennis history after a stunning dominant period that has earned the Serbian some 12 Grand Slam titles.
While Djokovic already had 12 titles to his name, Ivanisevic’s impact on his serve has been well-documented, helping to sharpen a far-from-blunt tool to turn Djokovic from difficult to beat to at-time Invincible in the last few years.
Yet the World No 1’s decline – if retaining top spot in the world can be called a decline – has been noted by some, with an upset at the Australian Open, followed by a poor performance at Indian Wells.
Djokovic revealed the news on social media, but insisted that despite the up and down nature of their partnership and eventual split, their friendship remains ‘rock solid’.
Novak Djokovic has announced his partnership with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic is over
He took to Instagram to announce the news in a heartfelt message to his ‘friend’ and mentor
While he admitted they had their ups and downs Djokovic insisted their friendship remained ‘rock solid’
‘I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team,’ said Djokovic.
‘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 No 1 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?
‘Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago. Our on court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid.
‘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.’
Ivanisevic of course was the first men’s singles Wimbledon champion to have entered the tournament as a wildcard, doing so in 2001 as the World No 125 ranked player, a five-set classic in his fourth attempt.
It would be the Croatian’s only Grand Slam title, but he reached as high as World No 2 in 1994, the year he reached the last-eight at both the Australian and French Opens.
His introduction to the team to aid Djokovic’s serve comes with good reason, with Ivanisevic the former Wimbledon aces record holder with over 1300 at SW19, before Roger Federer broke his tally in 2019.
The announcement comes just under two months out from the French Open starting in May
The announcement comes as something as a surprise with the French Open just under two months away, though as arguably the best to ever play the game, that probably won’t bother Djokovic too much.
Djokovic will enter the tournament as World No 1 and the favourite once again to take his record men’s singles titles tally to 25.
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