‘Probably Happened During the Olympics’ – Former World No.1 Predicts Tough Time for Novak Djokovic Post Marian Vajda Split

Almost a week ago, Novak Djokovic shocked the tennis world, as he decided to part ways with his long-time coach, Marian Vajda. Since 2006, both of them formed a formidable partnership that brought many Grand Slam titles for the Serbian. This year hasn’t been great for Novak anyway and news certainly came as a surprise for many tennis fans and experts. 

Former Belgian tennis player, Justine Henin, recently opened up about her experience with coaches. She also revealed the possible incident that caused this massive split between Djokovic and Vajda.

Justine Henin talked about the split between Novak Djokovic and Marian Vajda

Speaking with Eurosport, 7-time Grand Slam champion, Justine Henin opened up about having one coach throughout her entire career. According to her, coaches are like teachers and they are really important for the development of your career. 

“Novak Djokovic is going through a difficult period. And in difficult times, sometimes you have to make important decisions. Personally, I spent my entire career with the same coach. Coaches are like teachers, they are people who understand you almost unintentionally. It’s a connection,” Henin said about coaches (Google Translate). 

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The former Belgian player also pointed out the possible moment that caused this split. “I think between Djokovic and his coach there has been that kind of I think if there is a turning point in everything that has happened in the last few months, it probably happened during the Olympics,” Henin stated.

“The player-coach relationship is something special and there is a great trust between the two that has developed over time. And being able to say for one side or the other or both is a very decision. It will be something else that Novak Djokovic has to deal with in the weeks and months that they come will certainly have impact and influence,” the Belgian player further stated.

Djokovic thanked Vajda for his contribution

After the split with Vajda, Djokovic took to Twitter and left a heartfelt message. He thanked Vajda and talked about the journey over the past 15 years. The former World No. 1 also said that he will be grateful for the years of friendship and he will always be family. 

The 20-time Grand Slam winner had a terrible 2022 so far, as he was deported from Australia before the start of the Australian Open. Then, he lost his no.1 ranking to Daniil Medvedev, and now he split with his coach. 

READ MORE: ‘We Haven’t Spent as Much Time Together Lately’ – Alexander Zverev Opens up on His Relationship With Roger Federer

In the meantime, Novak received some good news, as his participation at the French Open will longer be a problem after the French government changed the vaccine rules.

Can Novak win at the French Open? Let us know in the comments.