World number two Novak Djokovic has announced that he and coach Boris Becker have parted ways, stating that the goals the pair had worked toward had been "completely fulfilled".
The Serb, who was knocked from his perch by Andy Murray at the end of this year, has spent three years with Becker.
Djokovic, a 12-time Grand Slam winner, won half of his titles under the stewardship of the Swede but now sees it as the optimum time for the two to split.
"The goals we set when we started working together have been completely fulfilled," he said. "I want to thank him for the cooperation, teamwork, dedication and commitment."
Thank U ! We had the time of our life ...#teamdjokovic pic.twitter.com/n6uZRd4m1O
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 6, 2016
The 29-year-old exited Wimbledon in the third round of the competition this summer and lost his opening match at the Olympics. The sudden dip in form came as a surprise to many after his victory in the French Open saw him hold all four Grand Slams at once.
"My professional plans are now directed primarily to maintain a good level of play," he added. "And also to make a good schedule and new goals for the next season."
Becker said: "We've come to an agreement that we'll end the relationship as of today. It was an unbelievable ride and we had three years of wonderful success and of course one or two losses that we want to erase and not be reminded of."
The pair celebrate after Djokovic defeated Andy Murray in the final of the Australian Open in 2015. Image: Lee Jin-man AP/Press Association Images
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