Djokovic ends partnership with coach Ivanisevic I Croft: Who's next?

Novak Djokovic has parted with his coach after five years

World No 1 Novak Djokovic has ended his highly successful partnership with Croatian coach Goran Ivanisevic shortly before the clay season gets into full swing, the Serb announced on Wednesday.

Ivanisevic, who claimed the singles title at Wimbledon in 2001 after finishing runner-up in 1992, 1994 and 1998, joined Djokovic’s team in 2019 and helped the 36-year-old win nine Grand Slam titles.

“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” 24-time major champion Djokovic said in an Instagram post with a picture of himself and Ivanisevic playing a board game.

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“Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid. In fact, I’m 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. Sefinjo, thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”

Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title was ended following a 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 defeat by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January.

The Serb pulled out of the ongoing Miami Open to limit the number of events he plays this year, with that decision coming after a shock third-round loss to Luca Nardi at Indian Wells.

Djokovic will gear up for the clay season as he bids to claim a fourth title at the French Open, which will take place from May 26-June 9.

Who will Djokovic pick as his next coach now?

Annabel Croft said on Sky Sports Tennis: “It was a little bit of a shock. It was a very nice message he put out, very much making it clear that they are still extremely good friends and they’ve had a fantastic run together.

“They’ve been together for about six years – 12 Grand Slam titles later that they won together, but I would imagine that that tells you all is not great where Novak Djokovic feels his tennis is at right now.

“He didn’t win in Australia, he’s chosen not to play here [in Miami] for personal reasons.

“It’s going to be fascinating. Who’s he going to pick now? Because if he’s going to squeeze the last few ounces out of his tennis career while all these youngsters are nipping at his heels, who’s he going to bring in?

“It’s a big decision. Time is so precious at the age that he’s at so it’s fascinating.”

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