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After a disappointing start to the 2024 season, Novak Djokovic has split from longtime coach Goran Ivanišević.
In a post on Instagram, Djokovic wrote the two "decided to stop working together a few days ago" and their "on court chemistry had its ups and downs" over the years:
"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. 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."
Ivanišević has been working with Djokovic since 2018 and became his main coach in 2022.
Djokovic won 12 Grand Slam singles titles when Ivanišević joined his coaching staff six years ago. The 36-year-old is coming off a 2023 that saw him win seven tournaments, including three of the four Grand Slam events. He reached the Wimbledon final before losing in five sets to Carlos Alcaraz.
Things haven't gone as smoothly for Djokovic to start 2024. He lost to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals. It was the first time since 2019 he failed to win at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic took the entire month of February off before returning to action at Indian Wells. He beat Aleksandar Vukic in his opening match before falling to Luca Nardi in three sets in the third round.
The next event Djokovic was scheduled to participate in was the Miami Open, but he announced on March 16 he was withdrawing from the tournament because he has to balance his "private and professional schedule" at this stage of his career.
According to his official website, Djokovic will play in the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters starting on April 8 as a clay-court tune up leading into the French Open.
Ivanišević was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020. He moved into coaching in 2013, having previously worked with Marin Čilić, Tomáš Berdych and Milos Raonic before joining Djokovic's group.
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