Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’

Novak Djokovic has stunned the tennis world by announcing that he and Goran Ivanisevic have “decided to stop working together a few days ago”.

The decision to end their working relationship has come on the back of a difficult start to the 2024 season as Djokovic lost in the semi-final of the Australian Open against Jannik Sinner and was then stunned in the third round of the Indian Wells Open by world No 123 Luca Nardi.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner then decided to skip the Miami Open as he preferred to take an extended break ahead of the clay-court season.

And the world No 1 will head into the red dirt campaign without Ivanisevic by his side as he confirmed their split on social media.

“I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team. It was back in 2018, and Marian and I were looking to innovate and bring some serve magic to our duo,” he wrote.

“In fact, not only we brought serve, but also lots of laughter, fun, year end no1 rankings, record breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams (and a few finals) to the count since then. Did I mention a bit of drama too? #Nolefam would know

“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago. Our on court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid. In fact, I am proud to say (not sure he is ) that apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in Parchisi going on… for many years. And – that tournament never stops for us.

“Šefinjo, thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”

After working as a consultant in 2018, Ivanisevic joined the Djokovic coaching set-up on a full-time basis in 2019 as he worked alongside Marián Vajda before taking full control when Vajda left in 2021.

Having initially been written off following a difficult 2017 season, Djokovic went on to dominate the sport again as he has won an astonishing 12 Grand Slams since the start of the 2018 season.

The tennis great has dominated just about every tennis metric with Ivanisevic in his camp as he set a new record for most ATP Masters 1000 titles won with 40, set a record for most weeks spent at No 1 (currently 418) and is also the record holder for most Grand Slams won (24).