Goran Ivanisevic, the former world No. 2 and Croatian tennis legend, recently stepped back from the coaching world after a highly successful stint as part of Novak Djokovic’s coaching team. Ivanisevic, who joined Djokovic’s team in 2019, played a key role in helping the Serbian tennis icon achieve some of the most significant milestones of his illustrious career, including 12 Grand Slam titles. The dynamic partnership, which lasted for several years, came to an amicable end in March 2024, with Ivanisevic deciding to take a break from coaching to recharge and reflect on his next steps.
Djokovic, who has long been known for his meticulous approach to training and his innovative mindset, initially brought Ivanisevic on board in 2019 to bolster his team with a focus on his serve—a critical element of Djokovic’s game that has become even more formidable in recent years. Reflecting on their collaboration, Djokovic shared his gratitude and admiration for Ivanisevic in a heartfelt message on social media after their split.
“I remember clearly the moment I invited Goran to be part of my team,” Djokovic wrote. “It was back in 2018, and Marian [Vajda] and I were looking to innovate and bring some serve magic to our duo. In fact, not only did we bring serve magic, 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.”
Ivanisevic’s contribution to Djokovic’s game went beyond just technical improvements. His experience as a former top player, having won Wimbledon in 2001 and understanding the mental and physical toll of competing at the highest level, allowed him to offer Djokovic unique insights that propelled him to further success. Under Ivanisevic’s guidance, Djokovic not only refined his serve but also managed to remain at the top of the sport well into his late 30s, a feat that is becoming increasingly rare in modern tennis.
Despite their professional success, Ivanisevic began to feel the strain of life on the tour, especially around the 2023 US Open. Coaching one of the most dominant athletes in tennis comes with immense pressure and travel demands, and Ivanisevic, now in his early 50s, felt it was time to take a step back. However, there were no hard feelings between the two, with Djokovic and Ivanisevic remaining on friendly terms after the split.
Financially, Ivanisevic’s time with Djokovic was also incredibly rewarding. According to reports from Serbian outlet *Alo*, the former Wimbledon champion earned a substantial salary during his tenure as Djokovic’s coach. It’s estimated that Ivanisevic’s base salary ranged from £250,000 (300,000 euros) to £418,000 (500,000 euros) annually. Over the six years he spent working with Djokovic, this could have netted him around £2.5 million (3 million euros) in base earnings alone.
However, the financial benefits didn’t stop at his salary. In the world of professional tennis, it’s common for top coaches to receive a percentage of their player’s winnings, often around 10%. Given Djokovic’s remarkable success during their time together, particularly in 2023 when he won three Grand Slam titles and reached the final at Wimbledon, Ivanisevic’s earnings likely increased significantly. Djokovic’s Grand Slam victories that year earned him roughly £10 million in prize money, and if Ivanisevic received the standard 10% share, he would have taken home an additional £1 million for his contributions to Djokovic’s success.
This financial windfall is a reflection of how valuable Ivanisevic’s expertise was to Djokovic’s game, especially during such a critical phase in his career. Djokovic, who broke the record for the most men’s singles Grand Slam titles during their partnership, has credited Ivanisevic for helping him stay competitive against a new generation of players, including the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
As Ivanisevic takes time away from the game, there is speculation about what the future holds for the Croatian legend. Some believe he may eventually return to coaching, either with another top player or perhaps taking on a more behind-the-scenes role in tennis. Others suggest that Ivanisevic might pursue other interests, given the financial security he has earned from his coaching stint with Djokovic. Regardless of what he chooses to do next, Ivanisevic’s legacy as both a player and a coach is secure.
His decision to take a break from coaching doesn’t come as a surprise to those who have followed his career closely. After all, Ivanisevic is known for his laid-back personality and his ability to balance life on and off the court. While his time with Djokovic was filled with pressure and high-stakes matches, it was also a period of great personal satisfaction, as he played a pivotal role in one of the most successful chapters in tennis history.
As Djokovic moves forward without Ivanisevic, he continues to build on the foundation laid during their time together. The Serbian star remains at the pinnacle of the sport, but he will no doubt miss the camaraderie and expertise that Ivanisevic brought to his team. Meanwhile, Ivanisevic can reflect on a coaching career that was not only financially rewarding but also filled with historic moments and personal achievements. Whether or not he returns to the tour in the future, his contribution to tennis as both a player and a coach will be remembered for years to come.