Djokovic ‘only wanted one coach’ says ditched Marian Vajda

The world number one’s former coach Marian Vajda has opened up about his split with Novak Djokovic saying the 20-time Grand Slam winner “only wants one coach.”

Marian Vajda was a crucial part of Djokovic’s success with them initially linking-up in 2006 as the Serbian won all 20 of his Grand Slam titles under the tutelage of the Slovakian coach.

The duo initially parted ways in 2017 for a short spell when Djokovic was struggling with injury, with Vajda swiftly returning to Djokovic’s coaching set up in 2018.

However, they have confirmed they agreed to part ways after the ATP Finals in Turin last season in December – a move which was only made public at the start of March.

Vajda has since become the new head coach to fellow Slovak Alex Molcan with Djokovic keeping Goran Ivanišević  as his head coach.

Speaking in a recent interview, the 57-year-old Vajda openly discussed his split from the world number one, as he explained why their 15 year partnership came to an end.

The Slovakian told reporters, “It was a combination of various reasons: we have been together for a really long time and his decisions showed that he wanted to focus on Grand Slam tournaments – that is why he might think that it is not ideal to have so many people in his team.

“He wanted to reduce it and have only one coach. I don’t know for sure, because I never asked him, but I assume from my analysis of his tournament schedule, that he wanted to reduce his team, and he chose Goran Ivanisevic. It did not make sense for a coach to coach him only for Grand Slams, because a coach needs a long-term plan.”

Vajda also went on to discuss his relationship with Djokovic following the split, stating that him and the 6-time Wimbledon winner are on good terms.

“Novak and me are still friends, it was an amicable split. I told Goran that we will practice together in Paris. I did not tell Novak (about working with Molcan), but I did tell Goran, so I am sure Novak knows.”

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