'We Decided To Go Different Ways': Djokovic Confirms Split From Longtime Agent

| by Nurein Ahmed

Novak Djokovic confirmed the reported split from his longtime agent, Edoardo Artaldi, stating they decided to go "different ways."

In mid-September, a week after Djokovic won a record-tying 24th Grand Slam at the US Open, Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo was the first to verify the rumor that the 36-year-old had parted company with Artaldi's management team, which includes his wife, Elena Capellaro, both Italian citizens.

Artaldi has worked with the Serbian ace since early 2008, overseeing Djokovic's most successful stint and dominance of men's tennis. Artaldi and his wife, Elena, witnessed all but one of Djokovic's Grand Slam wins (the exception being the 2008 Australian Open, Djokovic's first major title).

Djokovic stated that they'll still stay friends, but have ended their professional long-term association which has lasted 15 years. Initially, Ozmo reported that it remains to be seen if Artaldi will be given a different role in the team, but the Serbian tennis legend is not looking to retain his services.

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"We stay friends but professionally we decided to go different ways. I’m entering a new chapter about the off-court approach. The transition is not easy but I’m moving forward."

Despite taking a lead role as an agent and business manager, Artaldi has acted like a father figure in Djokovic's camp. During an interview with Italian outlet SBS four years ago, Artaldi explained that, together with his wife, they've tried to "create the atmosphere" that Djokovic needed while on tour because the Serbian missed his family while traveling.

Nowadays, Djokovic travels with a small team during tournaments. Goran Ivanisevic remains his coach. In addition to the Croat, he has added fitness trainer Marco Panichi and hitting partner Carlos Gomez-Herrera, a retired tennis player. Because he plays sporadically, most of the time, his family joins him on tour.

Djokovic is looking to finish the season as the year-end No. 1 for an eighth time. If he wins the Paris Masters this week and at least one round-robin match at the ATP Finals, he will put the top spot beyond the reach of Carlos Alcaraz.

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