Novak Djokovic's former coach Marian Vajda has spoken out on his split with the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Vajda coached Djokovic for over 15 years and helped the Serbian to win 20 Grand Slam titles. But Slovakian Vajda was let go as part of Djokovic's coaching team in March 2022 as the world number one wanted to decrease the size of his internal team to focus on competing in Grand Slam tournaments.
Nearly a year after the split, Vajda explained that he still has some difficulties following the decision, but is generally pleased to see Djokovic winning at the top level.
"The relationship continues well, but it was cut off by a professional issue, We spent 15 years together. He decided to play fewer tournaments and be with a smaller team, and Goran (Ivanisevic) is No 1 on the team. It was a very difficult separation on an emotional level for both of us, but life goes on and Novak is still Novak. He is stabilizing, he knows how to train, how to understand Goran. I’m fine, he’s fine. And that’s how it has to be.”
Since Vajda left the coaching team, Djokovic won Wimbledon in 2022 before he sealed a 10th Australian Open in January 2023.
Djokovic's final win in Melbourne sparked emotional scenes between the Serbian and his coaching team after he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets. However, watching the final unfold and seeing the emotive clips was difficult for Vajda as the 57-year-old said he missed these moments in tennis.
"At the Australian Open, I saw his great relief for what happened last year and for the injury he suffered during the tournament. You could feel the emotions. In that sense, I do miss being in those moments. In addition, this year they took out the restrictions and he can play more tournaments. I would like to meet him more often on the circuit and see him win more Grand Slams.”
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