Two months after Jannik Sinner ended the 36-year-old’s reign as Australian Open champion, and a fortnight after he suffered a shock defeat to Italy’s Luca Nardi in Indian Wells, Djokovic revealed the news on social media.

“Goran and I decided to stop working together a few days ago,” Djokovic wrote on Instagram. “Our on-court chemistry had its ups and downs, but our friendship was always rock solid.”

Given that nine of Djokovic’s 24 grand slam titles have been amassed with Ivanisevic in his corner, the decision to part ways will inevitably raise eyebrows. Last year alone, the Serb enjoyed one of the most successful seasons of his career, winning three of the four majors for the second time in three years. 

In the heat of battle, however, Ivanisevic was increasingly eclipsed as a vocal presence by Marco Panichi, the Italian fitness trainer who first joined Djokovic’s team in 2018. Djokovic is not averse to directing the odd tirade at his box, and there have been times when Ivanisevic appeared bemused by his employer’s anger. After Djokovic won at Roland Garros for the third time last year, the Croatian spoke candidly about the creative tensions in the camp. 

“He’s not an easy guy, let’s put it this way,” said Ivanisevic. “Especially when something’s not going his way. But we are here to put our back and to get beaten, you know. That’s what the team is for. We are here for him to feel better, for him to perform better. Sometimes not easy. Sometimes it’s very complicated.

“Stress level is always high. It never goes down. But every day you learn something. Every day it’s something new. A lot of times I disagree, but this is the job. You can’t agree with everything, and we are functioning very good as a team.”

Whatever the precise details behind the split, the personal bond between the pair appears intact. Djokovic wrote warmly of their time together, reminiscing about how he initially approached Ivanisevic to join his camp in 2018, alongside his long-term coach Marian Vajda. They joined forces at Wimbledon the following summer, with Ivanisevic eventually taking sole responsibility following Vajda’s departure at the end of 2021. 

“I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team,” Djokovic wrote. “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?

“I am proud to say 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.”

Djokovic, who is currently preparing for the clay-court season after withdrawing from the Miami Open following his loss in Indian Wells, offered no indication of whether he would be seeking a new coach. As for Ivanisevic, the 52-year-old former Wimbledon champion is unlikely to want for suitors after his role in one of the most fruitful partnerships in the sport’s history.

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