Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s split was recently attributed primarily to the Serb by Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci. The 24-time Grand Slam champion worked with Murray for a brief six-month period.
Djokovic appointed Murray as his coach at the end of 2024, months after he parted ways with his previous coach, Goran Ivanišević. The Serb halted his collaboration with the Croat after his run at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters, where he was unexpectedly defeated by lucky loser Luca Nardi in the third round. Djokovic and Ivanišević enjoyed a successful six-year partnership from 2018 to 2024.
Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Rick Macci Makes His Feelings Known on Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray
Novak Djokovic’s coaching partnership with Andy Murray officially began at the 2025 Australian Open and was expected to last through at least the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships. Under his British rival, the Serb recorded 12 wins and seven losses across as many tournaments. His best results during this period included a runner-up finish at the Miami Open and a semifinal appearance in Melbourne.
After Djokovic announced his decision to part ways with Murray prematurely on May 13, Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rick Macci expressed his views on social media. According to Macci, the separation was “expected.” He also opined that it wasn’t the three-time Grand Slam champion’s potential shortcomings but rather issues stemming from the Serb that led to their partnership’s demise.
“Novak and his divorce with Murray was expected. Nothing to do with Andy, more about the Joker. His next coach hopefully will light a fire, create more desire, and Mr. Mirror is my first choice to Hire. @DjokerNole,” Macci posted on X.
Novak and his divorce with Murray was expected. Nothing to do with Andy more about the Joker. His next coach hopefully will light a fire create more desire and Mr. Mirror is my first choice to Hire. @DjokerNole
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci)
Macci stated that Novak Djokovic does not necessarily require a coach at this stage in his career; instead, he suggested that the former World No. 1 needs to recharge his “mental batteries” to regain his competitive edge.
“Novak does not need a coach. Needs to recharge the mental batteries in his GOAT TOOLBOX. Maybe somebody can provide a Spark but that does not matter if he has gone Dark. Greatness can flip a switch if they feel the Juice then they enjoy the battle and play Loose. @DjokerNole,” he continued.
Novak does not need a coach. Needs to recharge the mental batteries in his GOAT TOOLBOX. Maybe somebody can provide a Spark but that does not matter if he has gone Dark. Greatness can flip a switch if they feel the Juice then they enjoy the battle and play Loose. @DjokerNole
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci)
The veteran also mentioned that one should never underestimate Djokovic, considering everything that he has achieved in his career.
“Novak has done it all. If he has his legs under him and gets through a few tough matches, never count out the heart of a champion, as he more than anybody knows the way. @DjokerNole,” Rick Macci added.
Novak has done it all. If he has his legs under him and get thru a few tough matches never count out the heart of a champion as he more than anybody knows the way. @DjokerNole
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci)
Novak Djokovic To Compete at Geneva Open Ahead of French Open 2025
Novak Djokovic is expected to compete at the 2025 Geneva Open ahead of the French Open. The ATP 250 clay court tournament takes place from May 18 to May 24, 2025, at the Tennis Club de Genève in Switzerland. The Serb has collected zero wins on clay so far, losing his opening matches at Monte-Carlo and Madrid.
In 2024, the Serb entered the event as the top seed after being granted a wild card into the main draw. He began his campaign in the second round following a first-round bye.
The former World No. 1 defeated Yannick Hanfmann in his opening match, 6-3, 6-3, to advance to the quarterfinals. Here he overcame sixth seed Tallon Griekspoor, 7-5, 6-1. He lost in the semifinals to the eventual runner-up, Tomáš Macháč, with a score of 4-6, 6-0, 1-6.
