Novak Djokovic’s former coach on their difficult separation and the Serbian’s ‘deadly combination’
It is more than a year since Novak Djokovic cut ties with his former coach Marian Vajda and although it was a tough to part ways, Vajda says they still have a good relationship as he also opened up about the Serbian’s qualities.
Vajda coached Djokovic from 2006 until 2017 and then again from 2018 until December 2021, although they only announced in March 2022 that they have decided to end the working relationship.
Djokovic won an incredible 20 Grand Slams under Vajda’s tutelage while he also rose to No 1 in the ATP Rankings and set numerous records.
In an interview with Argentina’s Olé, Slovakian Vajda explained how the split came about.
“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.”
Djokovic has added two more Grand Slams to his tally since their split as he won Wimbledon last year and the Australian Open a fortnight ago.
Following his success at Melbourne Park, Djokovic let out a roar of relief while celebrating with his coaching team and Vajda – who coaches his compatriot Alex Molčan these days – admits he misses those moments.
WATCH: Raw emotion from ‘superhuman’ Novak Djokovic after he returns to his perch in Australia
“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,” the 57-year-old said.
“I would like to meet him more often on the circuit and see him win more Grand Slams.”
Djokovic’s career has overlapped that of fellow greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with the trio dominating men’s tennis the past three decades.
Vadja was asked about what makes Djokovic such a lethal player and replied: “Each one has their own character, but Novak is a mixture of both. He has the complete game of Roger and the tenacity of Nadal, and that combination is deadly.”
As for the Big Three’s different characteristics, Vadja says although they are very different, they all have one thing in common: a very strong mentality.
“When it comes to tennis, everyone has their surface: Rafa loves clay, Roger hard courts, Nole grass. They have different styles and strategies of how to face the tournaments,” he said.
“They always play well and the objectives are the same: to be the best. They always want more and more and go forward. For 15-20 years they were and still are the best.
There the mentality is the key and I think the rivalry helped them: it is the fuel they have to continue. Also, as I spoke a few times with Toni Nadal, they are people who have something special. They are very strong mentally.”
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