Djokovic talks about the coaching divorce: ‘We had ups and downs on the court’

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>

It has been known since Wednesday: Serbian world star Novak Djokovic (36) and his old Croatian coach Goran Ivanisevic will from now on go their separate ways. On Thursday, the 24-time Grand Slam champion spoke for the first time about the subject and his future plans during a press conference in Belgrade. Ivanisevic has not yet spoken out.

“Our chemistry on the field had ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid,” says the world number one.

Dispute with the team?

Even if, or perhaps precisely because, Djokovic strongly emphasizes his good relationship with the 2001 Wimbledon winner, there is much speculation about the reasons for the divorce. Well-known tennis insider Craig Shapiro writes on X that an argument during training in Indian Wells was the cause. In recent months and years, there have been repeated verbal altercations between Novak and his box during matches – for example at the Australian Open in January (see video above).

“Their arguments kept getting worse. Ivanisevic didn’t know what to say to Novak during the matches. The rule change that made coaching possible was his downfall,” explains Serbian tennis expert Vojin Velickovic from the TV channel Sportklub.

What’s next?

“I don’t know yet what the next chapter will be in terms of coaching. “I have no idea who it will be or if anyone will even be there,” said the Serb.

Still, names are of course thrown around in the media. The former Serbian Davis Cup captain and coach of Ivanisevic does not believe that Djokovic will be left without a coach and brings Ivan Lendl (64) into the game: “He was one of the best on clay. I think he would help Novak before Roland Garros. I’m sure he has someone in mind.” However, he does not expect Marjan Vajda (59) to make a comeback: “You shouldn’t bring back coaches, you don’t do that. Moreover, Vajda is part of the family, and that is not good.”

Not everyone agrees: former number one Andy Roddick wouldn’t be surprised if Boris Becker or Vajda return. “I can’t imagine him starting something completely new at this age.” Djokovic worked with Vajda between 2006 and 2017 and from 2018 to 2022. Roddick’s interlocutor on the YouTube tennis channel, Olympic champion Monica Puig, even mentioned Roger Federer (42) – “Roger is not doing anything at the moment,” she said laughing. Much about Novak Djokovic’s future is still up in the air. It certainly won’t just be this technical staff.

Source : Blick