Marián Vajda

Slovak Marián Vajda had limited success as a professional tennis player but was better known for being the head coach of Novak Đoković. As a player Vajda achieved a career-best singles ranking of #34 in the world in September 1987, and a doubles ranking of #118 in the world in April 1990. He not only coached Đoković but was also the head coach of Slovakia’s Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams.

Vajda won two ATP singles titles during his career with victories against Tomáš Šmíd in 1987 and against Kent Carlsson in 1988. Vajda’s best Grand Slam performance came at the 1991 French Open where he reached the singles third round. Representing Czechoslovakia, he competed in the singles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics but lost to Gilad Bloom in the first round.

Vajda coached Novak Đoković from 2006 to 2017, and again from 2018 to 2022. During the time Vajda coached Đoković he won 85 titles, including 20 Grand Slam tournaments. Vajda also coached Karol Kučera, Alex Molčan, and Slovakia’s Davis and Fed Cup teams. Vajda was named the Coach of the Year by the Olympic Committee of Serbia in 2010 and 2011, and he was named the ATP Coach of the Year in 2018.