Novak Djokovic has made the shock announcement on Instagram that he and long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic have ended their partnership after six years.
Djokovic and the Croatian legend have proven one of the most potent player-coach duos in tennis history after a stunning dominant period that has earned the Serbian some 12 Grand Slam titles.
While Djokovic already had 12 titles to his name, Ivanisevic's impact on his serve has been well-documented, helping to sharpen a far-from-blunt tool to turn Djokovic from difficult to beat to at-time Invincible in the last few years.
Yet the World No 1's decline - if retaining top spot in the world can be called a decline - has been noted by some, with an upset at the Australian Open, followed by a poor performance at Indian Wells.
Djokovic revealed the news on social media, but insisted that despite the up and down nature of their partnership and eventual split, their friendship remains 'rock solid'.
Djokovic said as cited by Sports Central: '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 we brought serve, but also lots of laughter, fun, year end No 1 rankings, record breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams (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.'
Ivanisevic became the Serbian's main coach in March 2022, having previously worked alongside Djokovic's long-time mentor Marian Vajda for several years.
Djokovic had one of his best seasons in 2023, winning three grand slam titles and losing an epic Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz, but this news comes at an uncertain time for the 36-year-old, who also recently split from his long-time agents.
Ivanisevic of course was the first men's singles Wimbledon champion to have entered the tournament as a wildcard, doing so in 2001 as the World No 125 ranked player, a five-set classic in his fourth attempt.
It would be the Croatian's only Grand Slam title, but he reached as high as World No 2 in 1994, the year he reached the last-eight at both the Australian and French Opens.
His introduction to the team to aid Djokovic's serve comes with good reason, with Ivanisevic the former Wimbledon aces record holder with over 1300 at SW19, before Roger Federer broke his tally in 2019.
Ivanisevic never shied away from the challenges of working with Djokovic, saying after the French Open final last year: 'He's not an easy guy, let's put it this way. Especially when something's not going his way. 'He keeps you stressed, the stress level is always high. It never goes down. But every day you learn something.'
Djokovic will aim to rediscover his form on the European clay, with the Serbian only one grand slam title away from passing Margaret Court's tally of 24 to become the most successful singles player in history.
