Johannesburg [South Africa]: World number two Novak Djokovic has parted ways with his entire training team, including Marian Vajda, who has been with him through almost all his career.
Djokovic believes this “shock therapy” will help him return to the top of the game, said a statement on his official website.
“I am a hunter and my biggest goal is to find the winning spark on the court again,” Sport24 quoted him as saying.
“I want to continue raising the level of my game and stamina and this is a continuous process. I enjoy this journey, it feels like I am starting something new again and I love this challenge. I am a hunter and my biggest goal is to find the winning spark on the court again,” he added.
The Serbian, who was knocked off top spot last November by world number one Andy Murray, joined his rival at the exit of the Monte Carlo Masters after losing a third-set break in a quarter-final defeat to Belgian David Goffin 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 last month.
Djokovic’s Australian Open title defence in January had also ended in a shock second-round exit.
Djokovic said he would be “forever grateful” for their “friendship, professionalism and commitment to my career goals”.
“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,” the statement said.
“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”, he added.
The world number two also mentioned that he is thinking of strengthening the team with a new head coach, but he does not want to rush things.
“I feel like this is a new chapter in my life. My career was always on the upward path and this time I’m experiencing how it is when the path takes you in a different direction. I want to find a way to come back to the top stronger and more resilient,” he said.
“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”, concluded Djokovic. (ANI)