“I’m excited to have one of my greatest rivals in my team, on the same side of the net, this time as my coach,” Novak Djokovic stunned the tennis community last November. He introduced the longtime rival and ex-British pro Andy Murray as his new trainer. The objective of the 23-time slam king and winner of 99 ATP titles was simple. To capture slam No.25. Luckily, the Australian Open proved to be the golden platform for this player-coach duo. The Serbian reached the semis but just when he was a win away from entering the final, injury woes forced him out. While the future of the collaboration looked uncertain, Djokovic kept it going. However, he failed to find his form back in subsequent events. He’s faced back-to-back early round exits lately. And just ahead of the French Open, the Serbian stunned the community once again this week. Murray isn’t his coach anymore. But guess what? A former pro believes he doesn’t even need one! Reason?
“I’ll be joining Novak’s team during the preparation period, helping him prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited about it and I am looking forward to being on the same side of the net for a change. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his goals,” Murray said back in November while Djokovic’s team. Their partnership undoubtedly drew a lot of hype. And with a SF run down under, many believed the former World No.1 would keep up the consistency under Murray’s tutelage.
But in all the ATP tournaments so far in 2025, Djokovic has failed. Since leaving Melbourne, Djokovic has crashed out early in Doha, Indian Wells, Monte Carlo Masters, and Madrid. He was ousted in R32, R64, R32, and R64 respectively. Only in Miami he shined, making it to the summit clash. However a 19-year-old Jakub Mensik denied him a 100th ATP trophy. Few days back, it was revealed that Djokovic would compete in Geneva to prepare for the Roland Garros.
Assumptions were floating that Murray would accompany him going forward. However, the Serbian shared an unexpected news on Tuesday regarding their partnership. “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,” he revealed in an IG post on May 13. Following a big update on his coaching situation, former American pro Andy Roddick has expressed an unfiltered take. Interestingly, he’s also made a comment on Djokovic’s next coach (if there’s going to be one). In an episode of the Tennis Channel podcast, dated May 14, sports commentator Steve Weissman asked him if Djokovic will add a new face to his camp. Especially ahead of the Roland Garros and Wimbledon. So what did the 2003 US Open winner say?
Without mincing words Roddick rejected the possibility of a new coach. He said, “I don’t think so. If anything, you bring in one of the people that he’s worked with before just for comfort, just because they know how he operates. Someone who knows you, like, to stretch it a certain times before you play. I think it’s more familiarity at this point. Murray provided the spark, provided the respected voice in the room.”
Per Roddick, it seems Djokovic is capable enough right now to navigate his own. And that he doesn’t necessarily need a trainer. “But if I am being honest, my, our cats could coach Novak. Like what do you gonna tell someone who’s won that many times on tour, right?” Reflecting on the road ahead for the Serbian, he concluded, “If he’s motivated and if his legs are beneath him, he’s dangerous. If he’s searching for motivation and maybe hasn’t got the reps in, then guys can knock him off.”
While the collaboration with Murray may have ended, it appears the former World No.1 did enjoy it till it lasted. Even before an official update this week, he had shared his feelings on the ex-British pro as his trainer.
When Novak Djokovic spilled the beans on his relationship with Andy Murray the coach
After going through continued early exits, Novak Djokovic witnessed a great campaign in Miami, in March. He started the journey on a winning note against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata with a score line of 6-0, 7-6(1). It was his maiden match victory at the Miami Open since 2019. During the post-match conference, the Serbian expressed his spirit of never-giving-up. Reflecting on his mentality of trying to perform at the highest level, he said, “I wanted to make a statement to myself and to others that I’m still able to play at a high level.”
Continuing further he added, “I lost two tournaments in the first rounds, so I really was eager to get the win in the first match in Miami. (I played) perfect tennis for a set and a half. I think he had stepped it up in the second set, deservedly took it to a tie-break, and then I played a great tie-break. All in all, there is always something you can work on, but for me it’s just about maintaining this level of tennis and trying to be even better if I can as the tournament progresses.”
Moreover, he also talked about his dynamics with Andy Murray as his coach. “Just super-nice guy who cares about relationships, cares about this coach/player relation. We have, and he wants me to do well. He’s just a very genuine guy. I enjoy spending time with him, for sure,” said the former World No.1
With Murray gone, do you think Novak Djokovic will operate solo at the Roland Garros and the Wimbledon? What’s your prediction on his potential future coach? Let us know in the comments below.
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