Former world no.1 Novak Djokovic has decided to part ways with three of his longtime coaching staff. His main coach Marian Vajda, fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch, and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic have all been relieved of their duties after a detailed analysis of the game, achieved results in the previous period, and also after discussing private plans of each team member.
Djokovic has been in horrible form in 2017 and except for winning the title at the Qatar Open, the Serb has struggled a lot in every other tournament he has competed in 2017. He lost in the second round at the Australian Open, quarter-final of Mexican Open and Monte Carlo Masters and round of 16 of the Indian Wells.
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Djokovic broke the news on his official website and his twitter account and released a statement saying he will be forever grateful to Vajda, Gritsch and Amanovic.
I have news that I'd like to share with you. https://t.co/ffMD5LZi5V
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) 5 May 2017
"I am forever grateful to Marian, GG and Miljan for decade of friendship, professionalism and commitment to my career goals. 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.
It was not an easy decision, but we all felt that we need a change. I am very grateful and proud of our relationship and unbreakable bond that we built through years of mutual love, respect and understanding. They are my family and that will never change", said Djokovic.
Vajda has been a part of Djokovic's coaching set up for a really long time and began coaching the Serb back in 2006. Even after Boris Becker joined, Vajda remained part of the coaching team. After the news came out, Vajda thanked Djokovic on behalf of the whole team and was confident he will remain at the top of the tennis for many years.
"Time spent with Novak feels like a whole lifetime. We were part of many of his incredible achievements, we were living and breathing for his dreams. I gave everything I could as a coach and I am very proud of our results. We arrived to the point where we all realised we need new energy in the team.
Novak can do so much more and I am sure he will. I am convinced that he will remain at the top of the tennis for many years and that he will bring a lot of joy to all the tennis fans around the world with his victories. Of course, we will continue consulting each other, seeing each other and hanging out together because after all, we are a family", Vajda said.
Djokovic was hoping that this "shock therapy" will help him achieve better results and he intends to take his time in selecting a new coach as he wants someone who he can connect with. For the time being he will be on tour alone and will rely on the support of his family.
"I have so much faith in this process and that's why I will take time to find the right person who I can connect with professionally. I have been on the tour long enough to know how to manage daily routines and I don't want to rush my decision. I will be on the tour alone for a while with support of my family and management. I will inform the public when I find the right person, but for now I thank you for your support and understanding, Djokovic said.
