Thursday 5 April 2018 17:44, UK
Novak Djokovic splits from coach Radek Stepanek, just days after Andre Agassi also left his coaching team
The former world No 1 linked up with Stepanek - after the Czech player's retirement - in November but Djokovic has struggled for form since his return from a long-standing elbow concern which saw him miss the second half of last year.
Djokovic, who has made the decision ahead of the clay court campaign, suffered back-to-back opening-match defeats on the American hard courts at Indian Wells and in Miami.
A statement on the Novak Djokovic website read: "After Miami Novak Djokovic and his tennis coach Radek Stepanek decided to end their cooperation.
"The private relationship with Stepanek was and will remain great, and Novak has enjoyed working with him and learning from him.
"He remains grateful and appreciative of all the support he has received from Radek during the last period."
Djokovic, whose only tour victories this season came at the Australian Open in January, completed the career Grand Slam with victory at the 2016 French Open but has since failed to win one of the four majors and is currently ranked world No 13.
The statement - which also officially confirmed the end of his coaching arrangement with eight-time Grand Slam winner Agassi - revealed the Serb has struggled for "confidence" on his return from the sidelines. The 12-time major champion is expected to feature at the Monte-Carlo Masters, live on Sky Sports, from April 16.
"Novak remains focused and eager to come back stronger and more resilient from long injury break that has affected his confidence and game," the statement continued.
"He is continuously and passionately looking for new and different ways to regain winning form.
"Djokovic will upon his short holiday with a family start his preparations for the clay season and upcoming tournaments.
"The cooperation between Novak and Andre Agassi has also ended."
We'll be back for more tennis on Monday, April 16 for the start of the ATP Monte Carlo Rolex Masters with coverage underway from 9.30am on Sky Sports Arena.
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