The relationship between Novak Djokovic and Marian Vajda was one of the most successful and exciting in tennis history. Under the guidance of the Slovakian coach, the Belgrade-born tennis player won 20 Grand Slam tournaments, reached the top of the rankings and set a record for weeks as number one on the men’s tour, surpassing Roger Federer.
Djokovic announced the end of his sporting relationship with Vajda last year, specifically in March, saying goodbye to him affectionately and remembering the strong bond that will always unite them. “What a journey together, my friend!
Fifteen years. You have been by my side in the most important and memorable moments of my career. Together we have achieved the unattainable and I will be forever grateful for your friendship and dedication. You will always be my family and I have no words to thank you for everything.” A 15-year-old couple stopped between 2017 and 2018.
Vajda, in an interview with Olé Tenis magazine, spoke precisely about his relationship with Djokovic. “We spent 15 years together. Novak decided to play fewer tournaments, have a smaller team and trust Goran Ivanisevic as number one.
Our sporting relationship ended due to a professional choice,” explained Vajda. “It was a very difficult time emotionally for both of us, but life goes on and Novak is still Novak. He knows how to train and how to work with Goran.
I’m fine, he’s fine. And that’s how he should be. At the Australian Open I saw the great relief from him after what happened last year and the injury he suffered in Adelaide. Emotions could be felt even from a distance. In that sense, I miss living those moments.”
Nole took his revenge in Australia
Speaking to Marca, former Spanish player Imaz stated that he was overwhelmed to see Novak Djokovic express his emotions.
“I sent Novak a message and told him the love I felt for him, that the title is wonderful, but what it taught us all is even more wonderful when he showed his emotions of love,” Imaz said. “They have seen a human being, not a cold and winning machine.
There was no euphoria, but feelings of awareness, empathy, and a lot of love. When he climbed up he collapsed. To share what they were living there and he [Marko] thanked me, but not for me, but for knowing this path, because that hug was of love and that is amazing, that is living without the poison of euphoria, which is like a drug, ephemeral and you need more and more. However, happiness and harmony fill you,” he added.
