In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the tennis world, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have ended their coaching partnership just weeks before the 2025 French Open, set to begin on May 25. The decision, announced as mutual, comes after six months of collaboration that saw the 24-time Grand Slam champion reach the Australian Open semi-finals but struggle to regain his dominant form. Tennis legend Mats Wilander has suggested that Djokovic’s move may stem from a desire to “reclaim his edge” against younger rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have challenged his supremacy. As Djokovic, now 38, chases a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, the split raises questions about his strategy heading into Roland Garros and beyond.
The Djokovic-Murray partnership, which began in November 2024, was a captivating union of two former rivals who clashed 36 times on the ATP Tour, with Djokovic leading 25-11. “I’m thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net,” Djokovic said at the time, expressing excitement about Murray’s fresh perspective. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who retired in August 2024, brought a unique insight, having defeated Djokovic in the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon finals. Their collaboration showed early promise in Melbourne, where Djokovic battled past Alcaraz in a thrilling four-setter, only to retire injured against Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun, and support,” Djokovic said in a statement, reflecting on their time together.
Despite the initial spark, Djokovic’s 2025 season has been inconsistent by his lofty standards. After a strong Australian Open, he suffered early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, lost in the Miami Open final to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, and fell in the first round of the Qatar Open to Matteo Berrettini. Murray’s tactical acumen, praised by Djokovic for its “high tennis IQ,” helped improve the Serb’s first-serve percentage to an impressive 69% this year, a career high. “I did not expect myself to top the serving performance,” Djokovic noted after a Miami win, crediting Murray’s input. Yet, Wilander believes Djokovic may have felt the partnership wasn’t delivering the decisive edge needed to counter the relentless rise of Alcaraz, the Wimbledon champion, and Sinner, the world No. 1. “Novak is searching for that one or two percent that makes the difference,” Wilander said, suggesting the split reflects a tactical recalibration.
Murray, for his part, found coaching both rewarding and demanding. “I enjoyed the matches and the strategy, but I found it very demanding,” he admitted on a podcast earlier this year. His presence in Djokovic’s box drew significant attention, with Daniil Medvedev likening it to “Messi coaching Cristiano Ronaldo.” Murray expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together.” However, he acknowledged the steep learning curve of coaching a player of Djokovic’s caliber, especially given his limited experience. The split, described as amicable, allows Murray to step back from the intense demands of the role, though he hinted at future coaching ambitions.
Djokovic’s decision comes at a critical juncture. Turning 38 on May 22, he faces mounting pressure to add to his Grand Slam tally, currently tied with Margaret Court at 24. His only title since 2023 was the 2024 Olympic gold, and 2024 marked his first season without a major since 2017. With the French Open approaching, Djokovic has entered the Geneva Open to gain clay-court match practice, a surface where he has won three titles but faces stiff competition from Rafael Nadal and a resurgent Alcaraz. Wilander’s analysis points to Djokovic’s need for a coach who can unlock new strategies to outmaneuver younger, power-hitting opponents. “He’s still the greatest returner, but he needs to adapt,” Wilander noted.
The tennis community is abuzz with speculation about Djokovic’s next move. Will he reunite with former coach Goran Ivanisevic, who guided him to 12 Slams, or seek a new voice? For Murray, the experience has solidified his coaching potential, with names like Emma Raducanu floated as possible future pupils. As Roland Garros looms, Djokovic’s quest for history continues, but without Murray in his corner, the path to a 25th Grand Slam looks more challenging than ever.
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