Novak Djokovic's sad announcement in shock split with tennis coach Goran Ivanisevic

Novak Djokovic has announced the end of a long partnership with coach Goran Ivanisevic after six successful years together in the game. This season has been one of Djokovic's most difficult starts having been eliminated at the Australian Open in the semi-final, before losing at Indian Wells in the round of 32.

The 36-year-old has admitted it has felt strange not winning a trophy so far and the season has taken another surprise twist with the 24-time grand slam winner and coach Ivanisevic parting ways after joining forces in 2018.

Ivanisevic was credited with helping Djokovic further develop his serve to become one of the most consistent and devastating weapons in the game. Having won all four grand slams playing under Ivanisevic, Djokovic took to social media to announce the news and his sadness in parting ways.

“I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team," Djokovic wrote on Instagram. "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. Thanks for everything my friend. Love you."

Ivanisevic has been loyal to Djokovic throughout their partnership, which included Djokovic's absence from tennis during the Covid-19 pandemic. It remains to be seen if Djokovic will hire a new coach now that he is in the twilight of his career.

The Serbian has made a number of big changes to his coaching team in recent months, which could signal his intention to take a more part-time approach on tour and purely focus on the grand slams. The tennis world reacted with a mixture of shock and sadness to Djokovic's announcement with the duo looking likely they would stay together until the end of the Serbian's illustrious career.

Novak Djokovic laments brutal 2024 start

The World No.1 has not enjoyed the best start to his season having relinquished his treasured Australian Open title to Jannik Sinner. He also exited Indian Wells in his second match, which took him to 8-3 to start the season. This prompted Djokovic to take a break from tennis until the clay court season.

"No titles this year, that's not something I'm used to," he said after his Indian Wells loss. "I was starting the season most of my career with a grand slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any tournament," he said.

"I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great, obviously to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I'm having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven't really been close to my best." After his withdrawal from the Miami Open, Djokovic admitted he was going through a tough period.

"At this stage of my career, I'm balancing my private and professional schedule. I'm sorry that I won't experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world," he said.