Before that, Vaida provided some stability to the Serb with their long-term relationship since 2006, when Vaida was hired as Djokovic’s head coach, a position he held until 2013 with the arrival of Boris Becker. In his initial term as head coach, Wajda oversaw Djokovic’s rise from a highly talented newcomer to world number one and a multiple winner of Grand Slam tournaments until 2011.
“During my time with Novak, I was lucky enough to watch him become the player he is today,” Wajda said in a statement. “I will look back on the time we are together with great pride and I am very grateful for the success we have achieved.”
Wajda remained part of Djokovic’s coaching staff under Becker until 2017 and rejoined after a short break in 2018, coinciding with Djokovic’s return to form with Wimbledon Grand Slam and US Open victories.
“Marian was by my side during the most important and memorable moments of my career,” Djokovic said.
“Together we have achieved some amazing things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years. Although he may leave the professional team, he will always be a family and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has.
During their time together, Djokovic and Vaida have won 85 ATP singles titles – including all 20 Djokovic Grand Slam titles.
In recent years, however, Vaida has backed away a bit. Since 2019, he has shared his coaching duties with Goran Ivanisevic and has traveled to fewer tournaments.
Ivanisevic will continue to work with Djokovic, hoping to take him back to world number one, a potentially difficult task, given Djokovic’s continued refusal to comply with vaccination requirements, which now hold many of the world’s biggest tournaments.
Wajda, although no longer an official member of Djokovic’s team, “will remain his biggest support on and off the court”.