Tennis star Novak Djokovic and his coach Goran Ivanišević collected many titles together. But now the successful duo are parting ways after six years together
Twelve Grand Slam titles, a “solid friendship” and countless battles in the board game Pachisi: Novak Djokovic and his long-time successful coach Goran Ivanišević have experienced a lot together on and off the tennis court, including “a bit of drama”. Now the collaboration is coming to an end, the world number one is parting ways with his coach – and bids him farewell with warm words.
“Thank you for everything, my friend. Love you,” Djokovic wrote on an Instagram post in which he is pictured playing the “Mensch ärgere Dich nicht” variant together with Ivanišević. The Croatian has been part of the superstar’s coaching team since 2018, with Ivanišević sitting in the major record champion’s box for four Australian Open, four Wimbledon, two French Open and two US Open triumphs. Now the “Djoker” wants to reposition himself
“Friendship has always been absolutely solid “
“Goran and I decided to end our collaboration a few days ago. Our chemistry on the court has had its ups and downs, but our friendship has always been absolutely solid,” wrote Djokovic, for whom things are not yet running smoothly in 2024.
In January in Melbourne, the Grand Slam record winner was eliminated in the semi-finals at the Australian Open, and at the Masters in Indian Wells he recently surprisingly lost in the third round to the world number 23 Luca Nardi from Italy. He subsequently withdrew from the Masters in Miami, explaining that he had to “balance his private and professional plans”. Apparently a change of coach is also part of these plans.
Boris Becker also looked on with interest at the surprising news. The German tennis legend has been without a coaching job since parting ways with young Danish star Holger Rune, having worked very successfully with Djokovic between 2013 and 2016. The two still have a close relationship. However, it is not yet known whether there is a chance of a reunion
