Novak Djokovic’s former coach, Marian Vajda, recently reflected on the astonishing journey of his star pupil, marveling at a career that has seen the Serbian rise to the pinnacle of tennis history. Vajda, who coached Djokovic for most of his career—from 2006 to 2022, with a brief hiatus between 2017 and 2018—shared a blend of pride, awe, and a few touching memories from their time together. Vajda’s insights offer a glimpse into the personality and drive that propelled Djokovic to become what many consider the greatest tennis player of all time.
The Slovakian coach, who himself enjoyed a successful playing career in the 1980s, recalled the early days of working with Djokovic, a teenager bursting with ambition. “Of course, when I met him, he was very young and had nothing but confidence,” Vajda shared in an interview with Radio Television of Serbia. “He told me, ‘Maran, I’m going to be tennis number one.’ At that moment, his sheer belief in himself was remarkable. He had this boldness and conviction that few possess, and it served as the foundation for everything that followed.”
Djokovic’s self-belief may have seemed audacious at the time, but Vajda, like all great coaches, recognized the potential buried within his young protégé. Through countless hours of training, refining technique, and building mental fortitude, the partnership blossomed. Together, they transformed Djokovic from a promising talent into an unstoppable force. Under Vajda’s guidance, Djokovic amassed 20 of his 24 Grand Slam titles and 85 of his 99 career singles trophies. Vajda himself became the most successful coach in men’s tennis history in terms of major singles titles won—a testament to the strength of their bond and shared vision.
The journey was not without its challenges. Vajda and Djokovic faced fierce competition from tennis legends like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, as well as injuries and setbacks that tested their resolve. However, the duo consistently adapted and evolved. Djokovic’s resilience became a defining characteristic of his game. Vajda noted, “As a coach, I saw how he was progressing, how he was training better, how he was developing. But for him, the goal was always clear—he wanted to be world number one and win Grand Slam titles.”
Indeed, the records speak for themselves. Djokovic currently holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles (24), an unmatched tally of 40 Masters 1000 titles, and a record seven ATP Finals championships. He has also finished as the ATP year-end world No. 1 an unprecedented eight times and spent 428 weeks atop the world rankings—a staggering achievement that illustrates his dominance and consistency over nearly two decades. Notably, Djokovic’s victory at the Paris Olympics in 2024 made him the only man to win every ‘big title’ in singles, adding another milestone to his already storied career.
Reflecting on these accomplishments, Vajda was candid about his own initial disbelief. “When we started working, I thought it couldn’t get any better. But Novak surpassed all my expectations. To see all those numbers now—it’s truly incredible,” he said. For Vajda, it was more than just statistics; it was about the journey and the process of continual improvement, a testament to Djokovic’s unparalleled work ethic and determination.
The legendary coach also shared an anecdote that highlights Djokovic’s unique confidence and ambition. In their early days together, Djokovic declared his intention to become the world’s best player. Vajda admitted that, at the time, such a claim seemed almost fantastical. But as he watched Djokovic train, grow, and compete, the young player’s words took on new weight. “He is the best player who could have deserved it, and it was just amazing to witness,” Vajda remarked.
Vajda, who reached a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 34 during his own playing career, emphasized the privilege of being part of such a historic collaboration. “I could never have imagined that he would win so many titles and tournaments and be the best in the history of tennis,” he reflected. Their partnership, which began when Djokovic was still finding his footing in the professional circuit, grew into one of the most successful coach-player relationships in sports history.
The Slovakian’s tenure with Djokovic officially ended in 2022, but their connection endures. Vajda’s legacy as the coach who helped mold Djokovic into a champion remains intact, and the admiration between the two is mutual. Djokovic often speaks fondly of Vajda, crediting him with instilling the discipline and strategic acumen that have defined his career.
In revisiting these memories, Vajda revealed the human side of greatness—the hard work, the sacrifices, and the moments of doubt and triumph that shape a legend. The story of Novak Djokovic and Marian Vajda is one of belief, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It serves as a reminder that behind every record-breaking performance is a journey marked by passion, dedication, and an unshakeable belief in the power of dreams. For Vajda, the memories of this journey will always resonate as more than numbers—they are a testament to the heights two people can reach when they dare to dream together.