"He chose Goran" - Marian Vajda on his split with Novak Djokovic

Marian Vajda has been the long-time coach of World No.1 Novak Djokovic, but the pair went their separate ways at the start of the season and the Slovak is finally speaking out on what led to their split.

Vajda had coached Djokovic almost his entire career, with the duo winning 85 titles together. However, it came as a surprise to the tennis world when Djokovic announced in March that he and Vajda would be going their separate ways after such a successful stint together.

With Djokovic now back on tour and currently competing at the Madrid Open, Vajda gave some insight into what led to their separation.

"I don’t know for sure, because I never asked him, but I assume from my analysis of his tournament schedule, that he wanted to reduce his team, and he chose Goran (Ivanisevic)," said the 57-year old.

"It did not make sense for a coach to coach him only him on Grand Slams, because a coach needs a long-term plan."

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When asked whether Djokovic suggested such an arrangement – to have Vajda solely on Grand Slams – the Slovakian coach responded: “I don’t know, because I never asked”.

Djokovic is currently working with Goran Ivanisevic as his full-time coach, with the duo making preparations for the 20-time Grand Slam champion to defend his title at Roland Garros.