Novak Djokovic has confirmed he has split with long-time coach Marian Vajda at the end of the 2021 season. The world No 1 made the announcement on his website, ending one of tennis's most enduring and successful partnerships. Slovak Vajda has been a near-constant throughout <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/novak-djokovic/" target="_blank">Djokovic's</a> career, helping the Serb win 20 Grand Slam titles on his way to becoming one of the greatest players of all time. “Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," Djokovic said on his website. "Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years. "While he might be leaving the professional team he will always be family and I can’t thank him enough for all he has done." The pair parted ways after the ATP Finals in Turin, Djokovic's website said. Vajda headed a backroom team that together helped Djokovic sit at the top of the ATP rankings for an unprecedented 361 weeks. “During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today," said Vajda. "I will look back on our time together with immense pride and am so very thankful for the success we have achieved. "I remain his biggest support on and off the court and look forward to new challenges." Djokovic <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/tennis/2022/02/25/russias-daniil-medvedev-all-for-peace-after-rising-to-no-1-ranking/" target="_blank">lost his world No 1 ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev</a> this week after suffering a shock 6-4, 7-6 defeat by Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely in the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/tennis/2022/02/24/jiri-vesely-seals-unbelievable-win-over-novak-djokovic-to-reach-dubai-semi-finals/" target="_blank">Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships</a> quarter-finals. It was Djokovic's first tournament of the year after he was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January and compete for a record 21st Grand Slam <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/tennis/2022/01/14/djokovic-to-be-detained-again-amid-new-appeal-after-australia-cancels-visa-for-second-time/" target="_blank">after being deported from the country</a> over his lack of Covid-19 vaccination. Spanish rival Rafa Nadal won the Melbourne Park tournament and took a record 21st Grand Slam crown in his absence. Croatian former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined Djokovic's coaching team in 2019 and will continue to work closely with the Serb.
