Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have ended their coaching partnership after working together for nearly six months. Murray, who drew curtains on his illustrious career after the Paris Olympics last year, took over as Djokovic’s coach later in November.
While this might be a shocking development for several tennis enthusiasts, the split didn’t surprise former American tennis player Andy Roddick, who spoke at length about the update.
Andy Roddick Opens Up About Murray Parting Ways with Novak Djokovic
Djokovic and Murray shared one of tennis’s most intense rivalries, meeting 36 times on tour, with Djokovic winning 25 of those encounters. Given their storied history, the prospect of their coaching partnership in November was unexpected.
While working with the Brit, Djokovic reached the 2025 Australian Open semifinals before a hamstring injury ended his run. The 37-year-old also reached the Miami Open final, where teenager Jakub Mensik dashed his hopes of a 100th career title. The end of the partnership means the Serb won’t have Murray in his corner as he pursues a record 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros or later at Wimbledon.
Djokovic shared the update on X, thanking Murray for his contributions.
“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 wrote.
Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open Champion, gave his two cents on this update when asked about his reaction in an interview with the Tennis Channel.
“I guess none of it is completely shocking or surprising. I kind of thought that they would make it through Wimbledon, one they committed past the Australian Open. But I’ll tell you, I get every prediction about Novak Djokovic wrong pretty much every time, whether it is a knee or a hamstring or a tear or when he’s going to play. Again, don’t ask anything,” he said.
When asked if Djokovic would need a coach going ahead, Roddick said it’s more about familiarity, and someone who knows the Serb and his habits could be helpful. Meanwhile, the American also acknowledged that Murray brought energy and a respected voice to Djokovic’s team.
“I don’t think so, of 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 at a certain time before you play, and you like to hit this many forehands. I think it’s more familiarity at this point. But to Jim’s point, like Murry provided the spark, provided the respected voice in the room,” he said.
He added that the former world No. 1 doesn’t need any guidance and that his success currently depends on motivation and physical readiness.
“But if we’re being honest, like our cats could coach Novak. What are you going to tell someone who’s won that many times on tour? Right. It’s if he’s motivated, and if his legs are beneath him, he is dangerous. If he’s searching for motivation and maybe hasn’t gotten the reps in, then guys can knock him off,” he added.
"I'd be shocked if he went on the road with someone else anytime soon" 🤷
Jim Courier and Andy Roddick discuss Novak Djokovic's split from Andy Murray#TCLive pic.twitter.com/XJzNqSre9L
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel)
Novak Djokovic’s First Event After Splitting With Andy Murray Will Be the Geneva Open
Djokovic has been battling a significant dip in form since finishing as a runner-up in Miami. He faced early exits later in Monte Carlo and Madrid and is currently on a three-match losing streak.
The 37-year-old, who is still in the hunt for a 100th tour title, chose to skip the Italian Open. But heading into the 2025 French Open, Djokovic will at least play the Geneva Open as he accepted a wildcard entry into the tournament a few days ago.
The World No. 6 was a semifinalist at the ATP 250 clay-court event and will be making his second appearance in the tournament in 2025. Not only will Djokovic aim for his 100th tour title in Geneva, he will also look to improve his underwhelming win-loss record of 12-7.
