Andy Murray is reportedly ending his coaching collaboration with Novak Djokovic after a six-month partnership.
This decision arose from a mutual understanding, allowing Murray to step back from Djokovic’s coaching staff as he prepares for his quest for an eighth Wimbledon title in July.
The world’s top-ranked tennis player, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, began working with Murray in November.
During their time together, Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open but retired due to injury after the first set.
The 37-year-old has faced a challenging season compared to his usual high standards, losing his opening match in four out of his last five tournaments and being defeated in the Miami Open final by 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.
“Thank you, coach Andy, for all the dedication, enjoyment, and support over the past six months both on and off the court – I truly appreciated deepening our friendship,” Djokovic expressed.
Murray remarked, “I appreciate Novak for the incredible opportunity to collaborate, and I’m thankful for his team’s efforts over these past six months. I wish Novak nothing but success for the remainder of the season.”
The partnership between Murray and Djokovic ultimately spanned just four tournaments, despite their initial promising start in Melbourne.
Murray was present at the Miami tournament where Djokovic reached the final without losing a set, only to be defeated by Mensik in a couple of tight tie-breakers.
Djokovic has received a wildcard for next week’s Geneva Open, having struggled to secure a win on clay this season so far.
The three-time French Open champion lost in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters at the start of the clay-court season and did not compete in this month’s Italian Open, offering no explanation for his absence.
In February, Djokovic had stated that their coaching arrangement was open-ended.
“We agreed to likely work together in the United States and then at some clay tournaments to see how things progress,” he mentioned at that time.
Unfortunately, that was the extent of their arrangement – yet it was enjoyable and quite magical while it lasted.
Read also:
- Murray reprises coaching role with Djokovic at Indian Wells
- Cincinnati Masters: Murray wins Wawrinka, faces Norrie in second round
- Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, Murray team up for Laver Cup in September
Djokovic praised Murray, a three-time Slam champion, during the Australian Open, noting that coaching seemed to come easily to him.
“I was pleasantly surprised by his dedication and professionalism, given that he had no prior experience as a tennis coach,” he admitted in January.
“It comes intuitively to him. His general intelligence and tennis IQ are very high. He knows when to observe and when to speak up at crucial moments.
“I feel he understands when it’s important to say something and knows what exactly to say and ask.
“Initially, it felt a bit odd sharing insights with him, not just about tennis but also about personal matters, which I had never done before since he has always been a significant rival of mine.”
Murray, age 37, expressed feeling somewhat embarrassed by the attention he received in Melbourne, acknowledging the incredible work of Djokovic’s broader team over the years.