Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic have parted ways! World no. 1 shared the news with his fans, thanking Goran for everything and calling him his dear friend. Djokovic and Ivanisevic started working at Wimbledon 2019, crowning their partnership with an instant title.
They claimed 24 ATP titles together, including notable Major, ATP Finals and Masters 1000 crowns, with Djokovic finishing on the ATP throne in three of the previous four seasons. Novak claimed three Major titles in 2021, counting 27 consecutive wins before losing the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, missing a chance to write history books but remaining on the GOAT status path.
The Serb claimed the Wimbledon crown in 2022 and had another great run in 2023.
Novak lifted seven ATP trophies from eight finals in 2023, adding three Majors, two Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals alongside the Wimbledon runner-up spot, doing enough to terminate the GOAT race!
Djokovic kicked off the season in Adelaide, fending off a match point versus Sebastian Korda and winning an epic final for a strong start to the season. Despite a leg injury, Djokovic survived all the challenges at his beloved Australian Open, ousting Stefanos Tsitsipas in the title clash and lifting his tenth Melbourne Park trophy!
Novak missed Indian Wells and Miami and played a couple of tournaments on clay before finding his A-game at Roland Garros. Djokovic played at his best in Paris and conquered his third Roland Garros crown over Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, becoming the first player with 23 Major titles and leaving Rafael Nadal behind!
Novak was the favorite to extend his Major streak at Wimbledon, seeking the fifth consecutive All England Club crown. Djokovic toppled Jannik Sinner for a place in the final, setting the clash against Alcaraz. Playing only his fourth ATP event on grass, Carlos overpowered Novak in five thrilling sets, lifting the trophy and ending Novak’s calendar Grand Slam dreams.
Mighty disappointed, Djokovic sought revenge in the Cincinnati final, prevailing over Alcaraz in one of the best matches of the previous ten years outside Majors, celebrating his 39th Masters 1000 crown.
Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic ended their incredible partnership.
Djokovic gathered a boost ahead of the US Open and conquered his fourth title in New York, ousting Daniil Medvedev in the final and celebrating his record-extending 24th Major crown.
Thus, he got in the driving seat in the year-end no. 1 battle, leaving Alcaraz behind. Novak won indoor titles in Paris and Turin, adding 2300 points to his tally and wrapping up the season as year-end no. 1 player for the eighth time, extending his record at 36.
Those were the last titles Djokovic claimed with Goran Ivanisevic as his coach, with the duo making a slower start in 2024 before parting ways. Novak started the new season at the United Cup, struggling with his right wrist and falling to Alex de Minaur.
Things were not perfect for a ten-time Australian Open champion in Melbourne, passing the opening five obstacles before falling to Jannik Sinner in the semi-final.
Thus, Djokovic suffered his first loss at the Australian Open after passing the quarter-final stage, creating no break points and failing to overpower the young Italian. Sinner played well from start to finish, creating 11 break chances and seizing five in a rock-solid triumph.
Djokovic took a couple of weeks off the court, skipping all the action in February and returning in Indian Wells, competing in the desert for the first time in five years. The Serb could not find his best tennis, beating Aleksandar Vukic in three sets before falling to the young Italian Luca Nardi in the third round.
World no. 123 entered the draw as a lucky loser and stunned the world’s best player after a reliable performance in the decider. Novak made radical changes ahead of Monte Carlo, continuing the season without Goran Ivanisevic in his box.
Djokovic trains in Belgrade on clay, preparing for his next tournament and seeking a new coach.
“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 did we bring serve, but also lots of laughter, fun, year-end no. 1 rankings, record-breaking achievements, 12 more Major titles and a few finals to the count since then.
Did I mention a bit of drama, too? 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. Šefinjo, thanks for everything, my friend. Love you,” Novak Djokovic said.
