Novak Djokovic revealed on Wednesday that he and his long-time coach, Goran Ivanisevic, have mutually agreed to go their separate ways after enjoying a highly successful six-year partnership.
The announcement was made by Djokovic on Instagram, highlighting their strong bond both on and off the court, as well as their competitive Parcheesi matches over the years.
Despite achieving remarkable success on the tennis court since Ivanisevic joined his coaching team in 2018, Djokovic’s decision to part ways with the coach has come as a surprise. Together, they secured an impressive collection of titles, including four Australian Open championships, four Wimbledon titles, two French Open victories, and two US Open triumphs. Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally reached a record-tying 22 major titles during their partnership, with Djokovic subsequently winning two more to set a new record of 24.
There’s an argument to be made for Goran Ivanisevic being the single most important hire in tennis history
From 2018-2023, he:
– Shaped Djokovic’s serve into one of the best on tour
– Helped Djokovic double his Grand Slam tally (12 to 24)
– Took Djokovic from #4 to #1 all time— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) March 27, 2024
Djokovic did not disclose the specific reasons behind the decision to part ways with Ivanisevic, but his recent performance in 2024 has not met his usual high standards. Early in the year, he suffered defeats to Alex de Minaur in the United Cup quarterfinals and Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final.
While these losses were to established players, Sinner notably claimed his first Grand Slam title by defeating Djokovic. Djokovic’s unexpected loss to Luca Nardi, ranked No. 123 at the time, in the third round of Indian Wells, a tournament he has historically dominated, further highlighted his struggles.
The decision to part ways with his long-time coach amid a period of subpar results may seem drastic, but Djokovic, nearing 37 years of age, is focused on maximizing his title-winning potential, especially in Grand Slam events. As he acknowledges the inevitability of aging, Djokovic may believe that restructuring his coaching team will help him extend his competitive longevity.