Plagued by injury, Novak Djokovic’s promising 2024 ended with withdrawals from the Paris Masters and ATP Finals. His only victory was the Paris Olympics gold—a sharp contrast after splitting with coach Goran Ivanisevic, who guided him to 12 Grand Slam wins since 2018. A surprising new alliance with retired legend Andy Murray sparked hope for the Australian Open. Both former rivals looked forward to working “on the same side of the court.” Djokovic’s skills, paired with Murray’s sharp analytical mind, seemed poised to help him chase his 25th Grand Slam or 100th career title. But halfway through the 2025 season, their intriguing partnership appears close to ending.

The player and coach have decided to part ways just weeks before Roland Garros. Djokovic teamed up with Murray last November, after Murray retired the previous summer. Together, they reached the Australian Open semi-finals, though Djokovic retired injured after dropping the first set. On Tuesday, Djokovic shared a heartfelt post on social media with a photo of the two, writing, “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 🙏.”

Their partnership was initially set to last through the Australian Open. But after Novak Djokovic suffered a hamstring tear in the quarterfinals, he announced Murray would remain his coach for the rest of the season. Despite this, Djokovic faced early exits in Qatar and Indian Wells. He reached the Miami final but lost unexpectedly to teenage rising star Jakub Mensik, missing out on his 100th career title.

Djokovic returned to Monte Carlo without Murray by his side, admitting he didn’t know where his coach was. After first-round losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, he withdrew from the Italian Open to take a break. Murray expressed his gratitude, saying, “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.”

With the French Open fast approaching, it’s uncertain if Novak Djokovic will return to the court. Meanwhile, Andy Murray is open to new coaching roles. Only time will tell if he pursues another or if coaching stops at Novak.

Although Nole was on a break from tennis, he’s now gearing up to return to the clay courts soon. He’s accepted a wildcard for next week’s Geneva Open, aiming to find form after failing to win a match on clay this year. Djokovic was even spotted practicing with a knee brace on his right leg, signaling he’s managing some injury concerns.

With Andy Murray no longer his coach, all eyes will be on Novak to see if he can finally snag that 100th career title. So, how did the partnership with Murray pan out for the Serb?

Novak Djokovic opens up about his partnership with Andy Murray

After withdrawing injured in the Australian Open semi-finals, Djokovic came back confident at the Qatar Open. Fans and critics worried about his recovery and the coaching partnership with Murray, which was initially set only through Melbourne. But Djokovic surprised everyone by announcing, “I expressed my desire to continue the collaboration with him so I am really glad he did accept. It’s indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together but we agreed we are going to work most likely in the [United] States and then some clay-court tournaments and see how it goes after that.”

At the Miami Open, Djokovic finally snapped a three-match losing streak with a strong win over Australia’s Rinky Hijikata. He dominated the first set 6-0 and, despite a tight second set tie-break, showed his champion’s nerve to close it 7-1. This was the Serb’s first Miami win since 2019, breaking a tough run that included his AO injury and early losses in Doha and Indian Wells. After the match, he spoke on his undying spirit to keep performing at the highest level.

Novak Djokovic said, “I wanted to make a statement to myself and to others that I’m still able to play at a high level. 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 tiebreak, and then I played a great tiebreak. 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.”

He even praised Murray warmly: “Just super-nice guy who cares about relationships, cares about this coach/player rel. we have, and he wants me to do well. He’s just a very genuine guy. I enjoy spending time with him, for sure.”

Now, with their coaching stint ending just weeks before Roland Garros, the big question is what’s next for Djokovic this season. He’s been vocal about having no retirement plans, especially after Lacoste’s CEO confirmed plans to extend his contract through the 2028 Olympics. But there’s still a long road ahead.

Will Novak Djokovic bounce back in Geneva to claim his 100th career title or make a statement at the French Open with a 25th Grand Slam? Share your thoughts below!