Novak Djokovic to go it alone after split with Boris Becker

Novak Djokovic will not appoint a replacement for Boris Becker in his coaching team for the start of the 2017 season.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has split with coach Boris Becker. Picture: AP

Novak Djokovic will not appoint a replacement for Boris Becker in his coaching team for the start of the 2017 season. Despite a successful partnership that yielded six grand slam titles in three years, the world No 2 announced last week that he and his head coach had parted ways.

But a spokesperson for Djokovic has confirmed that he is not seeking a direct replacement. Marian Vajda, the former Slovakian world No 34 who has been a part of the Serb’s team since 2006, will step up as head coach.

Despite reports that he was considering bringing in Davis Cup teammate, Nenad Zimonjic, the 40-year-old former doubles world No 1, this will not be the case.

Djokovic yesterday posted a photo on social media of him with his family and team. A notable inclusion was the spiritual guru, Pepe Imaz.

The presence of Imaz was a contributing factor in the split between Djokovic and Becker. It is understood that he will feature more prominently next season, as will Djokovic’s younger brother, Marko.

Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber were named ITF world champions, capping stellar years for the men’s and women’s world No 1s.

Murray won nine titles in a milestone year that ended with him beating Djokovic to win the ATP Tour Finals.

THE TIMES, Reuters