Novak Djokovic showed his true colours while speaking about his former coach (Image: Getty)
has sent his former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, a heartwarming message following their separation last year. The Serbian superstar, 37, worked with former champion Ivanisevic, 53, for , with the pair first linking up in 2019 before nine months ago.
Djokovic that their on-court chemistry “had its ups and downs” in a statement following news of the decision and has since appointed as his successor. But the 24-time Grand Slam champion recently lavished praise on his former coach, who is now working with women’s World No. 6 .
“I was happy because we talked,” Djokovic said when asked how he felt about Ivanisevic’s new role. “Actually, we both liked how Jelena plays, what kind of person she is, so Goran certainly liked to watch her matches even before he became her coach.
“I’m glad they’re together. I hope Goran can help her in a positive way, to achieve success together. She’s a great tennis player, she’s already won a Grand Slam and she’s definitely still hungry and motivated. I saw that she started the season with a few good wins.”
“I wish them all the best,” he added. “I sent Goran a message the other day. You know, he hasn’t worked in the WTA so far, he’s mostly been in the ATP, I asked him how it’s going, he says it’s different. I know he’s motivated to help her, I hope we can win a few trophies together.”
The pair are known to still be close friends despite Djokovic’s decision to axe him last year. Still, his positive words shows the Serbian’s class. The 24-time Grand Slam winner made it clear in his statement confirming their split that he and Ivanisevic will always share a close relationship, saying: “Our friendship was always rock solid. Thanks for everything my friend. Love you.”
Djokovic worked with Ivanisevic between 2019 and 2024 (Image: Getty)
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Djokovic was without a coach for three of the four majors in 2024 and the Olympics. He was forced to pull out of the French Open due to injury at the quarter-final stage and lost to in the final for the second successive year a few weeks later.
However, he did avenge his defeat to the Spaniard by beating him in the Olympic final in Paris. By winning the gold medal, Djokovic ticked off the last major piece of silverware missing from his incredible CV.
A shock third-round defeat in the US Open, which meant Djokovic ended the calendar year without a Grand Slam title for just the second time since 2010, accelerated his search for Ivanisevic’s replacement. In November, to the surprise of many, he announced recently retired former rival as his new head coach.
The role is Murray’s first as a trainer, and one he said he was “reall excited” about. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals,” the three-time Grand Slam champion beamed.
Djokovic was similarly giddy about the appointment, adding: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net as my coach. I’m Looking forward to [the] start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”