World number two Novak Djokovic has parted ways with his entire coaching team, which includes coach Marian Vajda, ahead of 2017 Madrid Masters, starting 7 May.
The 12-time Grand Slam winner took to Twitter earlier today to announce his decision, saying that he will be alone for sometime until he finds "the right person who I can connect with professionally". Apart from Vajda, who had coached the Serb since June 2006, the team which has split also includes fitness trainer Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physio Miljan Amanovic.
"I want to find a way to come back to the top stronger and more resilient. I have so much faith in this process and that's why I will take time to find the right person who I can connect with professionally," a statement on Djokovic's official website read.
"I have been on the tour long enough to know how to manage daily routines and I don't want to rush my decision. I will be on the tour alone for a while with support of my family and management."
"I am forever grateful to Marian, GG [Gritsch] and Miljan for decade of friendship, professionalism and commitment to my career goals. Without their support I couldn't have achieved these professional heights."
The decision comes only five months after Djokovic had split with his former coach Boris Becker. Notably, the Serb had conceded the world number one title to Andy Murray last year and has won only one title in 2017 season.
Djokovic started the new season on a high, winning a title in Doha by beating Murray in the title match. However, a second-round exit at Australian Open came as a shock and it was followed by early exits in Acapulco and Indian Wells.
With a 14-4 record this season, Djokovic had a rough start on clay as well as he faced a quarter-final exit in Monte Carlo Masters. Motivated to get hit peak form soon, the 29-year-old will be without a coach in Madrid as he sets out to defend his title against the likes of in-form Rafael Nadal and Murray.
