In a candid reflection, Novak Djokovic has addressed his decision to part ways with Andy Murray as his coach after a six-month collaboration that failed to deliver the desired results. The announcement, made ahead of the Geneva Open, marks the end of an intriguing partnership between two tennis titans, which began in early 2025 but concluded without a single title to show for it. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, expressed both gratitude and disappointment as he spoke about the split, while also outlining his plans to rediscover his championship form with a new coach at the upcoming French Open.
Djokovic, now 38, described the decision to end the coaching relationship as mutual, noting that the collaboration had “reached its limit.” Despite the high hopes that accompanied Murray’s appointment—given the former world No. 1’s storied career and tactical acumen—the partnership struggled to translate into success on the court. Early exits at prestigious tournaments like Monte-Carlo and Madrid underscored the challenges, with Djokovic unable to replicate the dominance that has defined his career. Even a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open earlier this year, while respectable, fell short of the lofty standards set by the Serbian star.
“Andy has a brilliant tennis IQ, and I have a deepened respect for him, both as a player and as a person,” Djokovic said in his statement. “We gave it our all, but sometimes things don’t click the way you hope. I’m grateful for the time we spent together and the insights he brought, but it was time to move on.” The comments reflect the mutual admiration between the two, who share a storied rivalry, having faced off in 36 career matches, including seven Grand Slam finals.
The decision to part ways comes at a critical juncture for Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. With the French Open looming, he has turned to Dušan Vemic, a fellow Serbian and former professional player, to guide him through the clay-court major. Vemic, who has previously worked with Djokovic as a hitting partner and assistant coach, brings a familiarity that the world No. 6 hopes will spark a resurgence. “Dušan knows my game inside and out,” Djokovic noted. “I’m excited to work with him and see what we can achieve in Paris.”
The coaching change adds another layer of intrigue to Djokovic’s 2025 season, which has been uncharacteristically barren of silverware. After dominating men’s tennis for over a decade, the Serbian has faced increasing challenges from a new generation of players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have claimed the top spots in the rankings. Djokovic’s drop to No. 6—his lowest ranking since 2006—has fueled speculation about whether he can reclaim his place at the pinnacle of the sport.
For Murray, the split marks the end of a brief but high-profile stint in coaching. The 38-year-old Scot, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, brought his competitive fire and analytical prowess to Djokovic’s team, but the partnership failed to gel. Murray has not yet commented publicly on the split, leaving fans to wonder whether he will pursue other coaching opportunities or shift focus to his post-playing career endeavors.
As Djokovic prepares for Roland Garros, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if the change in coaching can reignite his pursuit of history. A 25th Grand Slam title would not only break his tie with Margaret Court for the most all-time but also cement his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in any sport. For now, Djokovic remains focused on the immediate challenge, carrying the weight of expectation and the hope that Vemic’s guidance will help him rediscover the magic that has made him a legend
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