Weeks before the 2025 French Open, Novak Djokovic was seen stepping up his clay-court training sessions in Belgrade. This is the first time he has been seen on the practice courts since separating from Andy Murray.
The timing could not have been more pivotal. The 24-time Grand Slam winner is hoping to reset after a weak post-Australian Open period and stage one last charge towards his elusive 100th career title at next week’s Geneva Open.
Novak Djokovic Awarded Wild Card Admission to Geneva Open
Djokovic’s short but storied alliance with Murray ended last week, rounding out a six-month stint as a collaboration that had its own share of bright spots and setbacks. The two announced their alliance in November 2024, re-stoking their well-established rivalry into a coach-player arrangement.
The initial results were encouraging, with Djokovic making it to the quarterfinals in Brisbane and the semifinals at the Australian Open. But his momentum dissipated as the season progressed, with early losses in Doha and Indian Wells, and a runner-up finish in Miami, where he was overwhelmed by 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.
Things did not improve on clay. Djokovic suffered consecutive second-round defeats in Monte Carlo and Madrid. He later withdrew from the Italian Open, raising questions about his fitness and form. Shortly afterwards, both Djokovic and Murray released statements announcing their breakup. The Serb took to social media to thank him, posting:
“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.”
Murray replied in kind, thanking Djokovic for the “unbelievable opportunity” and wishing him well for the remainder of the season.
“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. I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.”
But even with the shake-up, Djokovic doesn’t seem to be losing steam. Recently, a series of short clips emerged on X (formerly Twitter), where the former World No. 1 could be seen wearing knee braces and practicing on the red clay in Belgrade with fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanović.
Novak Đoković danas trenira sa Miomirom Kecmanovićem na Košutnjaku. pic.twitter.com/aaXkBMvMDv
— Jelena Medic (@jjmedic89) May 13, 2025
Another day, another practice. First Djokovic’s post-Murray practice, if we can call it that. pic.twitter.com/excCqiwRKx
— Luka Nikolić (@luksie1) May 13, 2025
A Look Into Novak Djokovic’s Performance in the Geneva Open Over the Years
Novak Djokovic will contest the Geneva Open for only the second time in his career. He made his first appearance at the event last year, winning against Yannick Hanfmann and Tallon Griekspoor before losing in a three-set battle to Tomas Machac in the semifinals.