“It was a very difficult separation on an emotional level for both of us” – Vajda reflects on parting ways with Djokovic

The Slovak coached Djokovic over a 15-year period and was part of 20 of the Serb’s Grand Slam wining campaigns

Novak Djokovic (SRB) Marian Vajda (SRB) Image Credit: Virginie Bouyer / Panoramic

February 14, 2023

Marian Vajda has been a central figure in the career, and life, of 22-time Grand Slam singles champion Novak Djokovic. The Slovak joined the Serb’s team in 2006 and was with him till 2022, barring a one-year period between 2017 to 2018. With Vajda by his side, Djokovic won 20 Grand Slams – making the Slovak the most successful coach (in terms of Grand Slams won) in tennis history.

It’s been almost a year since their split now, enough time for both to sit back and reflect on their relationship – one which Vajda says continues even today despite their professional parting of ways.

“The relationship continues well, but it was cut off by a professional issue,” Vajda said in an interview to Ole in Buenos Aires where he is travelling with his current charge, countryman Alex Molcan. “We spent 15 years together. He decided to play fewer tournaments and be with a smaller team, and Goran (Ivanisevic) is No 1 on the team. It was a very difficult separation on an emotional level for both of us, but life goes on and Novak is still Novak. He is stabilizing, he knows how to train, how to understand Goran. I’m fine, he’s fine. And that’s how it has to be.”

“I keep in touch with him, we chat often on WhatsApp and exchange messages. Last time, he sent me a football video. I always write to him after a victory and also at other times. And then Australia was no exception.”

I would like to meet him more often on the circuit and see him win more Grand Slams
Marian Vajda

While the pair have gone their separate ways, Djokovic went on to win Wimbledon last July and the Australian Open last month, the latter coming after a difficult time for Djokovic as he returned to the city where he was deported from 12 months ago and suffered an injury, whose authenticity was questioned by several people.

All that pent-up emotion came to the fore as Djokovic walked up to his team in the stands following his victory and sobbed while surrounded by his inner circle – a moment that Vajda watched and one that he admits he missed being a part of.

“At the Australian Open, I saw his great relief for what happened last year and for the injury he suffered during the tournament. You could feel the emotions. In that sense, I do miss being in those moments. In addition, this year they took out the restrictions and he can play more tournaments. I would like to meet him more often on the circuit and see him win more Grand Slams.”

“If he has no injuries.. Djokovic has already shown at the Australian Open what he is capable of” – Vajda

When about the race for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis, Vajda says the Australian Open triumph has shown what Djokovic is capable of.

“That’s his goal. He has no limits and I find that incredible. He is physically well and for that he needs to be like this. If he has no injuries and remains physically fit, he has already shown at the Australian Open what he is capable of.”

Despite all the success he has had with Djokovic, Vajda says he continues to be passionate about tennis, which he is why he is now pursuing newer ambitions with Molcan.

“I’ve been here for a long time and I’m still enjoying it,” the former world No 34 added. “While I am satisfied with what I did and what I did with Novak, I still maintain the passion. I like to travel and that’s why I’m now with Alex Molcan with whom we have big ambitions.”