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This start of 2022 was not easy for Novak Djokovic. The now former world number 1 was unable to defend the title at the Australian Open due to the well-known vaccination issue, which risks heavily affecting his season. The Serbian phenomenon did not go beyond the quarters in Dubai, where he surrendered in two sets to a wild Jiri Vesely.
That defeat cost him the first place in the ATP ranking in favor of Daniil Medvedev, who became the 27th number 1 in the history of men's tennis. As if that were not enough, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will not be able to participate in the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami since he is not vaccinated.
The imminent abolition of the Green Pass in France should instead allow him to play the tournament in Monte Carlo and especially Roland Garros. A few days ago, the announcement of the separation between Nole and his historic coach Marian Vajda arrived.
In a long interview granted to 'Aktuality', the Slovakian recalled the most special moments lived together with Djokovic.
Vajda talks about Djokovic
"I will remember them all," Vajda told Aktuality. "They were beautiful, but perhaps the most important was the July 3, 2011 - Wimbledon final.
Novak Djokovic defeated defending champion and world No.1 Rafael Nadal by three sets to one. He won Wimbledon for the first time and became world No.1 for the first time." The Serb's triumph in 2011 was the first time since 2002 that neither Federer nor Nadal had lifted the title at the All England Club.
"Until then, only Federer and Nadal had won in London since 2002, and since 2004, they had taken turns at the top of the leaderboard. For the first time as a coach, I led the best player in the world," Vajda said. After 15 years of traveling and working with Novak Djokovic, Marian Vajda is now keen to take a break and spend some time with his family.
"I would like to experience something new later, a new challenge with another player, but the bar is set very high," he said. "This is difficult to balance. Ivan Lendl helped Andy Murray to the highest goals, but they did not sit down with Alexander Zverev.
Even Andre Agassi with Novak Djokovic. Sometimes even the best coaches don't have luck with players." It’s a fact that Novak Djokovic has insane popularity all around the world just like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Also, everyone respects the Serbian in the locker room as a respected professional. Many players from the younger generation look up to him.