As the red clay of Roland Garros sets the stage for the 2025 French Open, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is navigating uncharted territory. Just weeks after parting ways with his coach and former rival Andy Murray, the Serbian star is finding his footing with a familiar face by his side: Dusan Vemic, a long-time friend and former coach. Djokovic’s recent triumph at the Geneva Open, where he clinched his 100th ATP title against Hubert Hurkacz, has reignited optimism as he prepares to face Cameron Norrie in the fourth round on June 2, 2025. Reflecting on his six-month partnership with Murray, Djokovic expressed gratitude and humor, revealing a light-hearted jab from his former coach: “He did congratulate me [on Geneva], and he said, ‘Now that you have a proper coach, you’re winning tournaments.’”
Djokovic and Murray’s collaboration, announced in November 2024, stunned the tennis world. The two, who faced off in 36 professional matches, including four Australian Open finals, transitioned from fierce rivals to coach and player in a move likened to “Messi coaching Cristiano Ronaldo.” Their partnership began promisingly, with Djokovic reaching the Australian Open semi-finals in January, highlighted by a gritty four-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz. “I was pleasantly surprised with his dedication and professionalism,” Djokovic said of Murray’s coaching, praising his high tennis IQ and ability to offer strategic insights. However, a leg injury forced Djokovic to retire against Alexander Zverev in Melbourne, and his form faltered thereafter. A Miami Open final loss to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik and early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Indian Wells marked a challenging season, with Djokovic posting a 12-7 record under Murray’s guidance.
The decision to part ways, announced on May 13, 2025, was mutual, driven by a sense that they “couldn’t get more out of the partnership on the court.” Djokovic, now 38, clarified the split in Paris: “It was mutual. We both wanted to have a call and to speak, so we were on the same page.” Despite the lack of titles, Djokovic cherished the deepened friendship, noting, “Andy is just an amazing person. 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.” Murray echoed the sentiment, saying, “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together and thanks to his team for all their hard work over the past six months.” Their bond was evident during Rafael Nadal’s emotional farewell ceremony at Roland Garros, where Djokovic, Murray, and Roger Federer stood together, a poignant moment for the “Big Four” era.
Djokovic’s current setup with Vemic, who coached him from 2011-2013 and in 2016 during multiple Grand Slam victories, offers familiarity and emotional stability. “He knows my game well and, most of all, he knows me as a person,” Djokovic said, emphasizing Vemic’s role in helping him find balance. Assistant coach Boris Bosnjakovic also joins the team as Djokovic aims for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. “At the moment, I’m not in need of a coach,” Djokovic stated, signaling he’s in no rush to replace Murray permanently. His Geneva triumph, where he “played some fantastic tennis,” has boosted his confidence, with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Mackenzie McDonald in the French Open’s first round signaling a return to form.
The clay season has been unkind to Djokovic, with no wins in Monte Carlo or Madrid and a withdrawal from the Italian Open. Yet, his recent performances suggest a resurgence. “I feel as close to my best tennis, playing so far in this tournament,” he said, eyeing a deep run in Paris. Murray’s absence from the clay swing was partly planned, as Djokovic worked with his brother Marko in Monte Carlo, where he admitted, “I have no idea where Andy is, to be honest.” Their reunion in Madrid yielded another early loss, but Djokovic valued Murray’s perspective, drawn from their 25-year rivalry. “He has a unique perspective on my game,” Djokovic noted, recalling how Murray highlighted strengths like his forehand and movement to bolster his strategy.
As Djokovic faces Norrie, a player he’s defeated in all four prior meetings, he carries the weight of being the last “Big Four” member standing. The emotional toll of Nadal’s retirement and reflections on his own career’s “end of the road” have not dulled his ambition. “I’m trying to build my form for Roland Garros,” he said, determined to challenge top players like Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz. While Murray shifts focus to business ventures like Redrice Sports Collective, his impact lingers in Djokovic’s renewed appreciation for their shared history. With Vemic’s guidance and a revitalized game, Djokovic’s quest for history in Paris promises to captivate tennis fans worldwide.
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