The sad announcement of Novak Djokovic in shock of the breakup with tennis coach Goran Ivanisevic

Novak Djokovic announced the end of a long partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic after six successful years together in football. This season was one of Djokovic’s toughest starts having been eliminated at the Australian Open in the semi-finals, before losing at Indian Wells in the round of 16.

The 36-year-old admitted he found it strange not to have won a trophy so far and the season took another surprise turn with the 24-time Grand Slam winner and coach Ivanisevic parting ways after having joined forces in 2018.

Ivanisevic was credited with helping Djokovic further develop his serve to become one of the most consistent and devastating weapons in the game. After winning all four Grand Slam tournaments under Ivanisevic, Djokovic went to social networks to announce the news and his sadness at separating.

“I remember very well the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team,” Djokovic wrote on Instagram. “It was 2018, and Marian and I were looking to innovate and bring a little serving magic to our duo.

“In fact, not only have we brought the service, but also a lot of laughter, fun, a No. 1 year-end ranking, records and 12 more Grand Slams (and a few finals) since then. Did I also mention a little drama?

“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago. Our on-field chemistry has had its ups and downs, but our friendship has always been strong. Thank you for everything my friend. I love you.”

Ivanisevic has been loyal to Djokovic throughout their partnership, which included Djokovic’s absence from tennis during the Covid-19 pandemic. It remains to be seen whether Djokovic will hire a new coach now that he is in the twilight of his career.

The Serbian has made a number of major changes to his coaching staff in recent months, which could signal his intention to take a more part-time approach on tour and focus solely on Grand Slam tournaments. The tennis world reacted with a mixture of shock and sadness to Djokovic’s announcement, with the duo looking likely they will remain together until the end of the Serb’s illustrious career.

Novak Djokovic laments brutal start to 2024

The world No. 1 hasn’t had the best start to the season after losing his precious Australian Open title to Jannik Sinner. He also left Indian Wells in his second game, which brought him to 8-3 to start the season. This prompted Djokovic to take a break from tennis until the clay court season.

“No titles this year, it’s not something I’m used to,” he said after his defeat at Indian Wells. “I started the season most of my career with a Grand Slam win or, you know, a win in Dubai, or any tournament,” he said.

“I guess every trophy that comes my way will be great, obviously to break a little bit of the kind of negative cycle that I’ve had over the last three or four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best.” After his withdrawal from the Miami Open, Djokovic admitted he was going through a tough time.

“At this point in my career, I’m balancing my personal and professional schedule. I’m sorry I won’t be meeting some of the best and most passionate fans in the world,” he said.