Plagued by injury, Novak Djokovic’s promising 2024 ended with withdrawals from the Paris Masters and ATP Finals. His only victory was the Paris Olympics gold- a sharp contrast after splitting with coach Goran Ivanisevic, who guided him to 12 Grand Slam wins since 2018. A surprising new alliance with retired legend Andy Murray sparked hope for the Australian Open. Both former rivals looked forward to working “on the same side of the court.” Djokovic’s skills, paired with Murray’s sharp analytical mind, seemed poised to help him chase his 25th Grand Slam or 100th career title. But halfway through the 2025 season, their intriguing partnership appears close to ending.
The player and coach have decided to part ways just weeks before Roland Garros. Djokovic teamed up with Murray last November, after Murray retired the previous summer. Together, they reached the Australian Open semi-finals, though Djokovic retired injured after dropping the first set. On Tuesday, Djokovic shared a heartfelt post on social media with a photo of the two, writing, “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun & support over last six months on & off the court. I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together .”
Their partnership was initially set to last through the Australian Open. But after Djokovic suffered a hamstring tear in the quarterfinals, he announced Murray would remain his coach for the rest of the season. Despite this, Djokovic faced early exits in Qatar and Indian Wells. He reached the Miami final but lost unexpectedly to teenage rising star Jakub Mensik, missing out on his 100th career title.
Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun & support over last six months on & off the court. I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together pic.twitter.com/iXqkdIN2Gb
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 13, 2025
Djokovic returned to Monte Carlo without Murray by his side, admitting he didn’t know where his coach was. After first-round losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, he withdrew from the Italian Open to take a break. Murray expressed his gratitude, 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.”
With the French Open fast approaching, it’s uncertain if Djokovic will return to the court. Meanwhile, Andy Murray is open to new coaching roles. Only time will tell if he pursues another or if coaching stops at Novak.
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