Novak Djokovic Announces Split from Tennis Coach Marian Vajda and Long-Term Team

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he is to split with coach Marian Vajda, with the Serbian saying he wants "to find the winning spark on the court again." 

In a statement on Djokovic's website, the 12-time Grand Slam champion confirmed he will end his association with Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic. 

"I am forever grateful to Marian, GG and Miljan for [a] decade of friendship, professionalism and commitment to my career goals," read part of Djokovic’c statement. "Without their support, I couldn't have achieved these professional heights. I know they completely dedicated themselves and their lives to help me achieve my dreams, and they were always my driving force and wind in my back."

In the statement, it's suggested all parties agreed to go their separate ways following the conclusion of the Monte Carlo Masters, where Djokovic suffered a quarter-final defeat at the hands of David Goffin.

The decision to part ways with his entire coaching team represents a radical shakeup for Djokovic, with Vajda a prominent figure for much of the 29-year-old's professional career.

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As reported by BBC Sport, Djokovic also decided to part ways with coach Boris Becker in December. The six-time Grand Slam winner was part of the world No. 2's camp for three years, in which the Serb established himself as the dominant force in the men's game.

After a brilliant beginning to 2016, in which he won the Australian and French Open, Djokovic's form sagged in the second half of the year, with Andy Murray usurping him at the top of the ATP World rankings.

Djokovic's 2017 didn't get off to the best of starts either, with the defence of his Australian Open title coming to an end in Round 2 at the hands of Denis Istomin. It was his earliest exit in a Grand Slam tournament since 2008.

Djokovic will next be in action at the Madrid Open next week, as he continues preparations for the defence of his French Open crown at Roland Garros.