Novak Djokovic with coach Marian Vajda
Novak Djokovic has confirmed he has split from long-time coach Marian Vajda for a second time
20-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic began working with Vajda in 2006 when he was a teenager and the Slovakian coach has been by his side for virtually his whole career.
“What a journey Marian. 15 years! You have been by my side during the most important & memorable moments. We have achieved the unachievable & I will forever be grateful for your friendship & dedication. You will always be my family & I can’t thank you enough for everything” -Djokovic [Via Twitter.com]
The news comes days after Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat to world No. 123 Jiri Vesely in Dubai, meaning he lost the world No. 1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev.That was Djokovic’s first tournament of the season and it is unclear where he will play next due to his inability to enter many tournaments without being vaccinated.
He will not be able to play in either of the upcoming ATP 1000 events in Indian Wells or Miami respectively. As well as losing the world No. 1 ranking, Djokovic has seen Rafael Nadal move ahead of him in the Grand Slam race this year after he won the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic made his first appearance of the season in Dubai this week, winning two matches before suffering a surprise loss to world No 123 Jiri Vesely. Djokovic is set to lose the world No 1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev on Monday and it is unclear when he can play next as he is still unvaccinated. The 34-year-old says he still remains highly motivated to play tennis.
Novak Djokovic admits he needs more matches to get back to his best level amid continuing uncertainty over his schedule this season.
That was Djokovic’s first tournament of the season and it is unclear where he will play next due to his inability to enter many tournaments without being vaccinated.
As it stands Djokovic will not play Indian Wells or the Miami Open as anyone entering the USA needs to be vaccinated, with very few exceptions.That means he likely won’t be in action again until April and will miss out on the opportunity to gain significant ranking points from the two ATP 1000 tournaments.
Djokovic is also set to miss the Monte Carlo Masters, which is the curtain-raiser for the clay-court season on April 10, after the French government ruled that all athletes will have to be vaccinated in order to compete in sporting events in the country.
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