Marian Vajda, former coach of Novak Djokovic looks back on split due to 'professional issue' a year on: "It was a very difficult separation"

The former coach of Novak Djokovic, Marian Vajda, looked back on their split and admitted that it was a very difficult separation.

Djokovic and Vajda worked for much of the Serbian's career and they achieved some incredible things together. He coached him from 2006 until 2017 and then again from 2018 to 2021. In March of 2022 they split once more, this time for the final time. 20 grand slams were won by Djokovic under Vajda, one of the most successful partnerships of all time.

Speaking to media recently, Vajda opened up about the separation:

“The relationship continues well, but it was cut off due to a professional issue. We spent 15 years together. He decided to play fewer tournaments and be with a smaller team and Goran [Ivanisevic] is number one on the team. It was a very difficult separation on an emotional level for both, but life goes on and Novak continues to be Novak. He’s stabilising, he knows how to train, how to get along with Goran. I’m fine, he’s fine. And that’s how it has to be.”

He was also asked about the Australian Open, and Vajda said that he was happy for Djokovic while also missing the feeling of being part of the that team:

“You could feel the emotions. In that sense, I do miss being in those moments. Also, this year they removed 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.”