Born just a week apart in May 1987, the tennis world, for over 25 years, had known the relationship between Sir Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to be that of rivalry. However, it changed when the Brit retired from his playing career last year to spend time with his family. In November, as he was lowering his golfing handicap three months into his retirement, he received a text from his former rival with an offer. And as Martina Navratilova would put it, “When somebody like Djokovic asks you, you say yes.” And so he did. But the partnership, originally meant to last only for a couple of months until the Australian Open, lasted for six months and four tournaments. Here is the timeline:

• November 23, 2024; the announcement: Novak announced Sir Andy Murray would be his coach for his 25th Grand Slam.
• December 2024; the preparations: The pre-season preparation of just over a week began near Marbella.
• January 2025; the highs and the lows: Murray missed the Brisbane International due to a pre-planned family skiing holiday, but Djokovic lost his first match to 7ft serving machine Reilly Opelka. The two reached Melbourne for the Australian Open. Djokovic had a magnificent quarter-final win over Carlos Alcaraz which “Was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, you know, for the relationship.” However, having torn a hamstring, Novak had to pull out after the first losing set in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev in a tiebreak.
• February 2025; a plateau of lows: Djokovic lost the only match he played in the entire month against Matteo Berrettini in Doha while Murray was nowhere to be seen.
• March 2025; another try; another miss: Paris Olympics gold medalist entered the Indian Wells reasoning, “I wanted to get back on the court with him sooner rather than later.” However, he lost to Botic van de Zandschulp, recording his worst sequence on the tour in seven years with the third defeat. Then he competed in Miami against Rinky Hijikata, of Australia. After winning four straight sets and reaching the final, Novak again packed the bags after 19-year-old Czech prodigy Jakub Mensik showed him the doors.
• April 2025; the beginning of the end: Novak’s prospects seemingly only got worse. He lost his opening match against Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo without Murray in his box. Following that, he saw defeat at the hands of Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid with Murray present. Now, even the media did not want to ask questions about one of the greatest rival-turned-coach relationships, and just like that, the buzz had died.
• May 2025; the end: 24-time slam king announced the separation from Murray this Tuesday, after consecutive losses, just before the French Open, taking to the social media, saying, “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun & support over last six months on & off the court.”

However, May is not over yet and it seems like Djokovic has apparently found a new coach to guide him through his plans to win his 100th title. While he may have “enjoyed deepening” his “friendship together” with Murray, a recent picture featuring Djokovic, with a familiar figure shows he’s probably found someone else – although if momentarily.

Tennis insider and journalist James Gray has reported, “Novak Djokovic looks like he will replace, for now at least, Andy Murray with Viktor Troicki, according to a video posted on his social media today. The Serbian Davis Cup captain was also in his box last time he played at Roland Garros: last year during the Olympics.” 

On Wednesday, he was seen swinging his racket on the clay court with Troicki by his side alongside other team members. Viktor Troicki was present last season’s French Open and also accompanied him at the 2024 Paris Olympics where the 37-year-old completed his Career Golden Slam. In the summit clash, he bested Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz with a score line of 7-6(3), 7-6(2). For the uninitiated, Troicki has been Djokovic’s doubles partner as well during several Davis Cup campaigns in the past.

Back in 2023, Troicki worked as a trainer with Serbian pro Hamad Medjedovic. Then at the end of 2024, he joined another compatriot and rising player Miomir Kecmanovic. Now in 2025, is he going to switch to Djoker’s team? The latest rumor of him potentially joining Djokovic surfaced following a social media clip Djokovic shared on his Instagram story.

As of now, Djokovic is yet to share an official update on Troicki’s role ahead of the Roland Garros. Meanwhile, he did express his feelings on spending time with his now former coach Murray. Yes, the results weren’t as per expectations in last few months but the Serbian enjoyed this unique collaboration.

Novak Djokovic’s thoughts on his relationship with ‘coach’ Andy Murray

Back in March, after successive early exits in ATP events, Novak Djokovic found a moment of relief in Miami. He began the campaign with a straight set win over Australia’s Rinky Hijikata. The 24-time slam king beat him with a score line of  6-0, 7-6(1). It was also his first win in Miami since the 2019 edition. During the post-match interview, the Serbian reflected on his never-give-up spirit and the mentality to keep trying and perform at the highest level. “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.”

Additionally, he also mentioned key details on his chemistry with Andy Murray as his coach. According to him, the Brit’s “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”

With Murray gone, do you think Djokovic will bring a new face to his camp, especially considering the rumor surrounding Viktor Troicki? Or will the former World No.1 go solo? Let us know in the comments below.