The tennis world was left reeling when Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, two titans of the sport, announced the end of their coaching partnership just days before the 2025 French Open. The decision, described as mutual, stunned fans and analysts alike, particularly Boris Becker, a former coach of Djokovic and three-time Wimbledon champion. Becker, who guided Djokovic to six Grand Slam titles from 2013 to 2016, admitted he was “lost for words” over the timing of the split, especially with Roland Garros looming. “I’m a little bit surprised that they would end their working relationship just a week before Roland Garros,” Becker said, reflecting on the abrupt end to a collaboration that had sparked intrigue when it began in November 2024. As Djokovic prepares to chase a record-extending 25th major title, the split raises questions about his strategy and mindset.
The Djokovic-Murray partnership, a union of former rivals born just weeks apart, was a bold experiment. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who retired after the 2024 Paris Olympics, brought his tactical acumen and high tennis IQ to Djokovic’s camp. “I think he has a brilliant tennis IQ, he has a very rare mind of a champion,” Djokovic said, praising Murray’s insight after their split. The duo’s work began with promise at the Australian Open, where Djokovic delivered a tactical masterclass to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals before retiring injured against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. “This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, you know, for the relationship,” Djokovic noted post-match, celebrating their synergy. A Miami Open final followed, though a loss to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in two tight tiebreakers marked a high point amid a challenging season.
However, the partnership faltered on clay, with early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid signaling trouble. Djokovic, now ranked No. 6, admitted, “We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court, and that’s all there is to it.” Becker, who saw the Australian Open as a “big success,” believed the collaboration would extend through Wimbledon, where Murray’s two titles and popularity could have been a game-changer. “Andy knows a thing or two about winning Wimbledon,” Becker said. “I thought it would be an advantage for Novak to have Andy in his corner.” The German’s surprise stems from his own history with Djokovic, a partnership that ended in 2016 when Djokovic’s motivation waned after completing his Career Grand Slam. “Novak knows pretty much everything about tennis,” Becker added, noting the challenge of finding a coach who can teach the 24-time major winner something new.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been his toughest in years, with no titles since his 2024 Olympic gold and first-round losses in four of his last five tournaments. A hamstring injury and an eye infection hampered his Australian and Miami campaigns, respectively, while his absence from the Italian Open raised eyebrows. Murray, meanwhile, found the coaching spotlight intense, admitting he was “a little bit embarrassed” by the attention in Melbourne, where Djokovic’s team had long excelled. “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together,” Murray said, emphasizing their deepened friendship. Post-split, Murray has pivoted to a new role as an associate partner at Redrice Ventures, launching the Redrice Sports Collective to guide sports investments, a move reflecting his desire to stay active post-retirement. “It’s difficult to step away from a sport like tennis,” he said, underscoring his need for new challenges.
As Djokovic heads to Roland Garros, he’s joined by interim coaches Dusan Vemic and Boris Bosnjakovic, both familiar faces from his dominant years. “I’m not in need of a coach,” Djokovic insisted, signaling no rush to replace Murray. Becker, who views Djokovic as a “younger brother,” remains optimistic but realistic: “You should never underestimate Novak Djokovic, he’s always a very fierce competitor.” With a first-round win in Geneva offering hope, Djokovic’s quest for a fourth French Open title will test his resilience without Murray’s guidance, leaving fans eager to see if he can reclaim his magic on the Parisian clay.
# Djokovic-Murray Coaching Split Shocks Tennis World
## An Unexpected Partnership Ends
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s coaching partnership, announced in November 2024, ended abruptly after six months, just before the 2025 French Open. Boris Becker, Djokovic’s former coach, was “lost for words” at the timing. “I’m a little bit surprised that they would end their working relationship just a week before Roland Garros,” he said. The mutual split, confirmed on May 13, followed a season of mixed results, with Djokovic praising Murray’s “brilliant tennis IQ” but admitting, “We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court.”
## Early Success, Then Struggles
The collaboration shone at the Australian Open, where Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a quarterfinal masterclass. “This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself,” he said. A Miami Open final followed, but early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, coupled with injuries, dimmed the partnership’s promise. Murray, a retired three-time major champion, felt the spotlight’s weight, saying he was “a little bit embarrassed” by the attention in Melbourne. “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity,” he added post-split.
## Becker’s Perspective and Djokovic’s Challenge
Becker, who coached Djokovic to six majors, expected the partnership to last through Wimbledon, where Murray’s two titles could have been key. “Andy knows a thing or two about winning Wimbledon,” he noted. He highlighted Djokovic’s challenge: “Novak knows pretty much everything about tennis. The challenge is to find someone he has respect [for].” Djokovic’s 2025 struggles, with no titles and a No. 6 ranking, underscore the difficulty, exacerbated by a hamstring injury and an eye infection.
## Moving Forward
Djokovic now relies on interim coaches Dusan Vemic and Boris Bosnjakovic for Roland Garros, insisting, “I’m not in need of a coach.” Murray has joined Redrice Ventures, launching a sports investment collective. “It’s difficult to step away from a sport like tennis,” he said. Becker remains confident in Djokovic, saying, “You should never underestimate Novak Djokovic, he’s always a very fierce competitor,” as the Serb aims for a 25th major in Paris.
Leave a Reply