Novak Djokovic has confirmed his split with his long-time Italian agent Edoardo Artaldi and has announced that he is embracing a solo off-court path from here on.
The Serbian proclaimed that his friendship with Artaldi will continue and they two have just opted to different paths for them professionally however, he also added that manager-less transition is not easy. Known in the Djokovic team as ‘Dodi’, Artaldi managed Djokovic since he won this maiden GS title at the Australian Open in 2008. Both Artaldi and his wife Elena Cappellaro were responsible with the off-the-field Djokovic activity throughout the 36-year-old’s professional illustrious career.
Talking with SBS Italian in 2019, Artaldi recollected his greatest moment from his time working with the legendary Serb.
“The most unforgettable one is the reception we got when we flew back to Serbia after he won Wimbledon in 2011 and reached the number one spot,” he recalled.
“If I can choose one from his tennis profession and one from his private life, I would say, his determination on one side and on the other his generosity is his best quality.”
Speaking at the Paris, the Djokovic revealed the departure of Italian from his team and explained he is in the process of making amends to the way he operates.
“We stay friends but professionally we decided to go different ways. I’m entering a new chapter about the off-court approach. The transition is not easy but I’m moving forward,” explained the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
The 36-year-old return to the tour this week after taking a month off from competition. His first test on return was Tomas Martin Etcheverry which he comfortably passed with a 6-3, 6-2 easy win.
Djokovic last played Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Davis Cup final group stage where he beat the Spaniard to help Serbia qualify for the quarterfinal of the ITF event. Serbia will be up against Great Britain in the last eight.
At Paris, the world No. 1 was also seen in doubles action on Tuesday where he paired with Miomir Kecmanovic to edge Gonzalo Escobar and Aleksandr Nedovyesov in the opener.
Meanwhile, in singles draw, the 6-time Paris Masters titlist on Thursday has survived he scare of #23 seed Dutch Tallon Griekspoor in the R3, with him finally prevailing in the three sets 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 to reach the quarters.
He will now face Holger Rune on Friday in what will be an enthralling contest as well as their rematch from the last year’s Paris-Bercy championships where the Dane defeated the hardcourt maestro in three sets to lift the trophy.