Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic are to go their separate ways, the tennis world No 1 announced on Wednesday, ending a five-year association which yielded 12 Grand Slams.
Djokovic brought Croatia’s 2001 Wimbledon champion on board as a member of the coaching team ahead of the grass court Grand Slam in 2019 and although the Serbian admitted their “on-court chemistry had its ups and downs”, it also resulted in huge success.
However, Djokovic has had, by his high standards, a poor start to the year, losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner of Italy in the Australian Open semifinals.
The 36-year-old Serbian then lost to Sinner’s unheralded compatriot Luca Nardi in the third round at Indian Wells, prompting him to withdraw from the Miami tournament for what he claimed were scheduling reasons.
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” Djokovic posted on Instagram.
“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,” he said, referring to the online game.
“And -– that tournament never stops for us. Šefinjo, thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”
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