At the 2025 French Open, the tennis world was abuzz with the emotional reunion of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, two titans whose rivalry defined an era, now navigating the aftermath of their brief but headline-grabbing coaching partnership. The pair, who parted ways on May 13 after a six-month collaboration, came face-to-face at Roland Garros during a heartfelt tribute ceremony for Rafael Nadal on May 25, 2025. It was here, amid reflections on their storied careers, that Murray delivered a cheeky remark about Djokovic’s recent success, sparking a candid response from the Serbian star. “He did congratulate me, and he said, ‘Now that you have a proper coach, you’re winning tournaments,’” Djokovic revealed, his tone a mix of amusement and introspection. “I didn’t take that as a joke. I mean, yeah, of course he was joking, but, you know, I think I have said enough.”
The comment referenced Djokovic’s triumph at the Geneva Open, his 100th ATP title, achieved just days after their split under the guidance of new coach Dusan Vemic. The victory marked a turning point for Djokovic, who had endured a turbulent start to 2025, with early exits at Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid. His collaboration with Murray, announced in November 2024, had promised to blend the tactical genius of two former world number ones. Yet, despite a semi-final run at the Australian Open—where Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz before retiring against Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring injury—and a runner-up finish at the Miami Open, the partnership fell short of expectations. “We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court, and that’s all there is to it,” Djokovic explained, emphasizing the mutual decision to part ways. “It was both of us coming together and just saying, you know, I think we should stop here.”
Their reunion at Nadal’s ceremony, alongside Roger Federer, was a poignant moment, steeped in nostalgia. The trio, part of the “Big Four” that dominated tennis for two decades, shared memories of their rivalries and battles on the clay of Roland Garros. “We kind of joked around, talked a little bit about golf, family, of course, and had also time to speak to him and Roger about reflecting on some of the nice memories we had,” Djokovic said, describing the encounter as “quite special.” The light-hearted banter extended to Murray’s sharp dress sense, with Djokovic quipping, “I never saw him dress up so well,” a nod to their camaraderie off the court.
Despite the playful jab, Djokovic’s respect for Murray remained unwavering. “Andy is just an amazing person,” he said, praising the Scot’s “brilliant tennis IQ” and “rare mind of a champion.” Their partnership, though brief, deepened their bond, forged through years of fierce competition, from junior tournaments to Grand Slam finals. “For him to join my team and for us to give a shot to this player-coach relationship was really an incredible thing for tennis and for both of us,” Djokovic reflected. “I was very privileged and honored.” He acknowledged the learning experience, noting, “I still think that I have learned things on the court with him, I have enjoyed my conversations with him about tennis.”
Murray’s humor, a hallmark of his post-retirement persona, also surfaced in other exchanges. Rafael Nadal shared a humorous anecdote about a text from Murray, who cheekily checked in after Arsenal’s 5-1 Champions League thrashing of Nadal’s beloved Real Madrid. “Hey Rafa, haven’t spoken to you in a while. Just checking in to make sure you are okay,” Murray wrote, a message Nadal initially mistook for genuine concern before recognizing the “British sense of humor.” Murray’s wit, fromritional
Djokovic’s comments at the French Open, delivered as he prepared to face Mackenzie McDonald in his opening match, underscored the complex emotions surrounding their split. While he laughed off Murray’s remark, his insistence that “I didn’t take that as a joke” hinted at a lingering sensitivity, perhaps reflecting the high expectations their partnership had carried. Now seeded fifth at Roland Garros, Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, buoyed by his Geneva success. Murray, meanwhile, has returned to family life and his golf swing, though his influence on Djokovic’s game endures. “Whoever he decides to work with next, if and when, that player is going to be lucky,” Djokovic said, acknowledging Murray’s lasting impact.
As Djokovic embarks on his French Open campaign, the tennis world remains captivated by this saga—a blend of rivalry, respect, and unresolved ambitions. The Nadal ceremony, marking the end of an era with three of the Big Four retired, left Djokovic contemplating his own future, though he insisted retirement is not yet on the horizon. For now, the echoes of Murray’s jest and their shared history add a layer of intrigue to Djokovic’s quest for greatness on the Parisian clay.
# Novak Djokovic Reflects on Andy Murray’s Cheeky Jab and Their Coaching Split at French Open
At the 2025 French Open, the tennis world was abuzz with the emotional reunion of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, two titans whose rivalry defined an era, now navigating the aftermath of their brief but headline-grabbing coaching partnership. The pair, who parted ways on May 13 after a six-month collaboration, came face-to-face at Roland Garros during a heartfelt tribute ceremony for Rafael Nadal on May 25, 2025. It was here, amid reflections on their storied careers, that Murray delivered a cheeky remark about Djokovic’s recent success, sparking a candid response from the Serbian star. “He did congratulate me, and he said, ‘Now that you have a proper coach, you’re winning tournaments,’” Djokovic revealed, his tone a mix memorable moment, steeped in nostalgia. The trio, part of the “Big Four” that dominated tennis for two decades, shared memories of their rivalries and battles on the clay of Roland Garros. “We kind of joked around, talked a little bit about golf, family, of course, and had also time to speak to him and Roger about reflecting on some of the nice memories we had,” Djokovic said, describing the encounter as “quite special.” The light-hearted banter extended to Murray’s sharp dress sense, with Djokovic quipping, “I never saw him dress up so well,” a nod to their camaraderie off the court.
Despite the playful jab, Djokovic’s respect for Murray remained unwavering. “Andy is just an amazing person,” he said, praising the Scot’s “brilliant tennis IQ” and “rare mind of a champion.” Their partnership, though brief, deepened their bond, forged through years of fierce competition, from junior tournaments to Grand Slam finals. “For him to join my team and for us to give a shot to this player-coach relationship was really an incredible thing for tennis and for both of us,” Djokovic reflected. “I was very privileged and honored.” He acknowledged the learning experience, noting, “I still think that I have learned things on the court with him, I have enjoyed my conversations with him about tennis.”
Murray’s humor, a hallmark of his post-retirement persona, also surfaced in other exchanges. Rafael Nadal shared a humorous anecdote about a text from Murray, who cheekily checked in after Arsenal’s 5-1 Champions League thrashing of Nadal’s beloved Real Madrid. “Hey Rafa, haven’t spoken to you in a while. Just checking in to make sure you are okay,” Murray wrote, a message Nadal initially mistook for genuine concern before recognizing the “British sense of humor.” Murray’s wit, a hallmark of his post-retirement persona, also surfaced in other exchanges.
Djokovic’s comments at the French Open, delivered as he prepared to face Mackenzie McDonald in his opening match, underscored the complex emotions surrounding their split. While he laughed off Murray’s remark, his insistence that “I didn’t take that as a joke” hinted at a lingering sensitivity, perhaps reflecting the high expectations their partnership had carried. Now seeded fifth at Roland Garros, Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, buoyed by his Geneva success. Murray, meanwhile, has returned to family life and his golf swing, though his influence on Djokovic’s game endures. “Whoever he decides to work with next, if and when, that player is going to be lucky,” Djokovic said, acknowledging Murray’s lasting impact.
As Djokovic embarks on his French Open campaign, the tennis world remains captivated by this saga—a blend of rivalry, respect, and unresolved ambitions. The Nadal ceremony, marking the end of an era with three of the Big Four retired, left Djokovic contemplating his own future, though he insisted retirement is not yet on the horizon. For now, the echoes of Murray’s jest and their shared history add a layer of intrigue to Djokovic’s quest for greatness on the Parisian clay.
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