Djokovic splits with coach Stepanek, days after breaking with Agassi

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic on Wednesday announced he had ended his cooperation with Czech coach Radek Stepanek, after working together since November, according to a statement on his official website.

The announcement comes just days after Djokovic split with his United States coach Andre Agassi in the wake of the Serbian former No. 1's second straight failure to get past the opening match of a tournament, most recently at the Miami Open and before that at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, reports Efe.

"The private relationship with Stepanek was and will remain great, and Novak has enjoyed working with him and learning from him," the statement said.

"He remains grateful and appreciative of all the support he has received from Radek during the last period."

The note admitted that coming back from a long injury break "has affected his confidence and game," but stressed that Djokovic "is continuously and passionately looking for new and different ways to regain winning form."

"Djokovic will, upon his short holiday with family, start his preparations for the clay season and upcoming tournaments," the statement said.

--IANS

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