For many years they enjoyed a fruitful partnership as Novak Djokovic hunted down and become the tennis player to win the most men’ s Grand Slam titles, with Goran Ivanisevic from Croatia one of the biggest servers the game has ever seen, as the Serbian’s coach.

In fact, with Ivanisevic in his corner, Djokovic won 12 Grand Slam titles and last year enjoyed one of his best season’s ever, winning three Grand Slams in 2023 and just missing out to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.

Why did such a successful partnership end?

Players sometimes want to go in a different direction. Sometimes familiarity breeds contempt. You stop getting along.

Boris Becker was once Djokovic’s coach and that, too, came to an end.

Djokovic is now 36 and rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and the Italian Jannick Sinner are making their impression felt. These young lions are ready to take over. Djokovic still has what it takes to keep them at bay for now, but may very well be looking for a reset over the next few years to maintain his dominant position.

One can remember when “Pistol” Pete Sampras lost to a young Roger Federer at Wimbledon, a match that signified that a new king was on the scene. Djokovic is not quite ready to give up his crown just yet.

Djokovic wrote: “I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team. It was back in 2018, and Marian and I was 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 ranking, record-breaking achievements and 12 more Grand Slams ( and a few finals) to the court 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. In fact, I am proud to say (not sure he is) that apart from winning tournaments together, we also had a side battle in Parcheesi going on… for many years. And that tournament never stops us.

“Thank you for everything my friend. Love You.”

It is a real pity because these guys formed a formidable partnership that created history. The announcement was sudden and unexpected. Let’s hope this was not from some disagreement and tension in the camp.

Goran Ivanisevic, now 52, is a man with a great reputation in the game. He did a stellar job as Djokovic’s coach. He will not be short on offers for his services.

Djokovic has not had his usual great start to the season. He was not impressive at the Australian Open and lost early at Indian Wells before pulling out of the Miami Open. He will be looking to set that all straight on the clay courts of Europe in the Spring months. How will he fare without Goran by his side?