Novak Djokovic has broken silence on his shock split with Goran Ivanisevic as the world No. 1 reveals he and the 2001 Wimbledon champion reached a point of saturation and felt that going their separate ways was the best thing to do.
After skipping the Miami Masters and returning to Belgrade, Djokovic made all the headlines on Wednesday morning when he announced that he and Ivanisevic were ending their highly successful partnership that started in 2018.
While the news came as a shock to many, some weren’t really surprised as there were pretty clear indications that the record 24-time Grand Slam champion wasn’t happy about his start to 2024 and that something big could happen.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Djokovic acknowledged all the good memories with Ivanisevic, which include 12 Grand Slam wins together and several major records that were set during their time together. Also, the 36-year-old made sure to highlight that the Croatian tennis legend was someone very close to him despite the tense moments on the court that followed them throughout the years.
But in his Instagram statement, Djokovic never directly disclosed why he decided to ditch Ivanisevic. But on Thursday, Djokovic attended a film presentation about his former coach Nikola Pilic and that’s where he finally revealed more details about his split with Ivanisevic.
“Goran is, first of all, a friend for life. Mine and my family’s. Someone who is extremely dear to me. Just because we ended our collaboration, it does not mean that we will stop being friends. We reached a point of saturation, we felt that it was time to part ways after almost six years of partnership where we have written the pages of the history of our sport. We have gone through everything and a lot during our time,” Djokovic said during the event.
Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic© Getty Images Sport – Julian Finney
Djokovic reveals he does not have a new coach yet
After the news of Djokovic and Ivanisevic parting ways were made, it didn’t take long before speculations started swirling around and many guessing who could be the Serb’s next coach. Among the names that instantly started arising were Boris Becker and Marian Vajda, with whom Djokovic enjoyed massive success in the past.
But for now, Djokovic insists he doesn’t know who will be Ivanisevic’s replacement. Also, the 36-year-old Serb suggested that he needs some time to fully figure out what he needs before adding a new coach.
“We went through many moments that were not at all pleasant for us. Despite everything, he was there for me. What I will remember most is that humanistic relationship towards me. And because of that relationship, the result came as a consequence of all that. I wish him all the best,” Djokovic added.
“More I don’t have a clear idea who could replace him and if it will be anyone. I always had coaches with me, I’m trying to sense what exactly I need.”
Novak Djokovic© Getty Images Sport – Julian Finney
Where Djokovic plays for the first time since the Ivanisevic split?
As mentioned above, Djokovic returned to Belgrade after deciding not to play in Miami for the first time since 2019. After taking some time off to analyze what happened in Indian Wells and recover from it, the world No. 1 started practicing on clay and preparing for the upcoming clay season.
In his first clay tournament of the year, Djokovic is slated to compete at the Monte Carlo Masters, which starts on April 7th.
On the clay courts of Monte Carlo, Djokovic will be aiming to win his third title at the tournament but also his first title of the 2024 season.
Novak Djokovic© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
In Australia – which is Djokovic’s happy hunting place – the Serb went winless this year after losing in the United Cup quarterfinal with Serbia and then also bowing out of the Australian Open semifinal. When Djokovic returned to action in Indian Wells, he entered as the top favorite but his run ended in the third round following a shock loss to qualifier Luca Nardi.
“Yeah, no titles this year. That’s not something I’m used to. I was starting the season most of my career with a Grand Slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any or tournament,” Djokovic said after failing to win his first title of the year in Indian Wells.
“It’s fine. You know, it’s part of the sport. You just have to accept it. Some you win; some you lose. Hopefully I’ll win some more and still keep going.
“I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great (smiling), obviously to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I’m having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best.”
It remains to be seen if Djokovic can turn the page around in Monte Carlo and kickstart his season.
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