Marian Vajda and Novak Djokovic parted ways, as the Slovak left the Serb’s squad for the second and probably the last time. Novak claimed 20 Major titles with Marian as his coach, working with him since 2006 and forging a deep friendship that will last forever.
Speaking about his dearest moments in Novak’s box, Marian mentioned the 2011 Wimbledon final as one of his proudest moments. Djokovic reached the first title clash at the All England Club following an incredible season.
He faced world no. 1 Rafael Nadal in a battle for the trophy and earned a 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 win in two hours and 28 minutes. Djokovic dethroned Nadal and became deserved 25th world no. 1 since 1973. It was Novak’s first ATP title on grass, extending his outstanding season and lifting the eighth trophy from nine tournaments in 2011.
The Serb became the fifth player in the Open era with titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in the same season, achieving his childhood dreams and lifting the first Wimbledon trophy. Nadal suffered the fifth loss from as many matches against Djokovic that year, winning the Previous 20 encounters at Wimbledon before laying down his weapons in front of Novak.
The Serb played on a high level in sets two and four to emerge at the top and secure his third Major title. Djokovic broke five times from six opportunities and saved three out of six break points to cross the finish line first.
Nadal stayed in touch in the shortest range up to four strokes. Novak secured the victory in the more extended exchanges, especially after hitting 27 winners and 12 unforced errors. Both players served well in the opening eight games, with no chances for the returners.
Novak closed the ninth game with an ace and earned the first break chance in the next one. Nadal sprayed a forehand mistake to get broken and hand the opener to an in-form opponent 6-4 after 42 minutes.
Marian Vajda liked Novak Djokovic’s 2011 Wimbledon victory over Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic held from 30-0 down at the beginning of the second set and fired a forehand crosscourt winner in game two to seize a break and move 2-0 ahead.
The Serb held in game five with a forehand winner, broke the Spaniard in the next one and closed the set with four winners in game seven for 6-1. Nadal grabbed his first break at the beginning of the third set and closed the third with Three service winners to confirm the advantage and settle into a fine rhythm.
Rafa moved 4-1 up with an ace and converted the third break chance in the next one after Novak’s double fault. Serving at 5-1, a two-time Wimbledon winner held at love to seal the deal in 30 minutes and force set number four.
Novak saved a break chance at the beginning and created two break points with a volley winner in game two. Djokovic grabbed the first after an exciting rally and gained a boost. Nadal broke back in game three and placed an unreturned serve in the next one for 2-2, keeping his chances alive.
After two hours and 15 minutes, Novak claimed only two games more than Rafa, and he was still in a good position to seal the deal. The Serb held in the seventh game and broke the Spaniard at 15 a few minutes later to forge a 5 -3 advantage.
Djokovic landed a volley winner for a match point in game nine and forced Nadal’s backhand error to celebrate his first Wimbledon trophy. “There were many incredible moments with Novak. If I have to pick one I cherish the most, it’s a victory over Rafael Nadal in the 2011 Wimbledon final.
It was Novak’s first Wimbledon final, and he defeated world no. 1 to take the ATP throne from him. Federer and Nadal had ruled the ATP rankings since 2004, and Novak ended their streak after Wimbledon. For me, I could say that I coach the world’s leading player for the first time in my career,” Marian Vajda said.