Novak Djokovic has confirmed he has split with long-time coach Marian Vajda at the end of the 2021 season.
The world No 1 made the announcement on his website, ending one of tennis's most enduring and successful partnerships.
Slovak Vajda has been a near-constant throughout Djokovic's career, helping the Serb win 20 Grand Slam titles on his way to becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
“Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," Djokovic said on his website.
"Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years.
"While he might be leaving the professional team he will always be family and I can’t thank him enough for all he has done."
The pair parted ways after the ATP Finals in Turin, Djokovic's website said. Vajda headed a backroom team that together helped Djokovic sit at the top of the ATP rankings for an unprecedented 361 weeks.
“During my time with Novak, I have been lucky to watch him transform into the player he is today," said Vajda.
"I will look back on our time together with immense pride and am so very thankful for the success we have achieved.
"I remain his biggest support on and off the court and look forward to new challenges."
Djokovic lost his world No 1 ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev this week after suffering a shock 6-4, 7-6 defeat by Czech qualifier Jiri Vesely in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships quarter-finals.
It was Djokovic's first tournament of the year after he was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January and compete for a record 21st Grand Slam after being deported from the country over his lack of Covid-19 vaccination.
Spanish rival Rafa Nadal won the Melbourne Park tournament and took a record 21st Grand Slam crown in his absence.
Croatian former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic joined Djokovic's coaching team in 2019 and will continue to work closely with the Serb.
Djokovic's 20 Grand Slams
BORDERLANDS
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones
3/5 stars
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ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
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- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
