Achi news desk-
Novak Djokovic (Credit: Twitter)
Djokovic has had a poor start to the year by his standards, losing to champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic said on Thursday he was unsure who his new coach would be or even if there would be one, a day after ending a five-year association with Goran Ivanisevic.
Djokovic brought Croatia’s 2001 Wimbledon champion on board as a member of his team ahead of the grass court Grand Slam in 2019 and under his guidance he won 12 of his 24 major titles in his career.
“Regarding the next step for a coach for me, I have no clear idea who that could be and if there will be anyone,” Djokovic said at a press conference in Belgrade.
“I’ve always had coaches by my side, since I was young. I try to feel what is good for me in this moment.”
Djokovic has had a poor start to the year by his standards, losing to champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.
The 36-year-old then lost to unheralded compatriot Sinner Luca Nardi in the third round at Indian Wells, prompting his withdrawal from the ongoing Miami Open.
“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” Djokovic posted on Instagram.
“Our chemistry on the court had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always strong.
“To be honest, I’m proud to say (not sure it was) apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in Parchisi going on… for many years,” he said, refer to the online game.
“And — that tournament never ends for us. Šefinjo, thank you for everything, my friend. Love you.”
Djokovic said the volatile and charismatic Ivanisevic brought more than just his tennis acumen to the partnership, which was exactly what he and then-head coach Marian Vajda had been looking for.
“I clearly remember the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team,” said Djokovic.
“It was back in 2018, and Marian (Vajda) and I were looking to innovate and bring some serving magic to our duo.
“Indeed, we not only bring us to serve, but also lots of laughs, fun, year-end #1 rankings, record-breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams (and a few finals) to the account since then.”
He is expected to return to the tour at the Monte Carlo Masters next month in the run-up to the second Grand Slam of the year at the French Open.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)
