Philosophical differences have led to the parting of ways between David Goffin and his longtime coach Thomas Johansson.
The former Australian Open champion announced the split on Twitter early on Thursday, saying: “After almost two years together, our partnership has come to an end. I want to thank David and his whole team for this time together and I wish him all the best for the future."
According to media reports, Johansson didn’t see eye-to-eye with the Belgian about his attitude in 2020. Goffin was diagnosed with Covid-19 earlier this month, and in general has struggled to find his motivation in a difficult season that saw him go 12-11.
“Even though the context is difficult, I do not understand David's blockage,” Johansson said Sudpresse (quotes translated to English). “The players are privileged, they can do what they love, earn money, etc. While people are deprived of everything.”
Goffin struggled with the virus and was playing his last event in 2020 just to see how he would turn up. He told reporters after his loss to Norbert Gombos that his ride has been a difficult one.
“I was just delighted to be here, just to test myself a bit because in Antwerp it wasn't great,” he told reporters in French. “My breathing was still hard and then I took a week off. I did not go to Vienna. I wanted to see how I was a little bit. This is the last tournament of the season for me, I wanted to see how I was feeling, recovering from the virus and physically seeing how I was feeling. I also wanted to play. The situation is not easy to handle but I tried to do my best and that was it.
“I just wanted to gauge myself, see where I stood in relation to others. The season is over now. I can project myself more into 2021, get down to preparation, recover from everything that has happened mentally, physically, try to prepare for a new season. I'm glad it's over to tell you everything.
Johansson initially started working with Goffin in 2016 as a consultant, and after they parted nine months into their work, he returned as the Belgian’s full-time coach in 2019.