Novak Djokovic officially parted ways with Andy Murray a week ago, bringing an end to their unexpected six-month coaching collaboration before Roland Garros.
The tennis legend announced the split on social media, thanking Murray for his “hard work, fun & support” and emphasizing the deepened friendship between the two champions.
The duo joined forces in November 2024 in a move that surprised the tennis community. Initially meant to last through the Australian Open, their partnership extended into the season but yielded mixed results.
Djokovic reached the semifinal in Melbourne – beating Carlos Alcaraz in a gritty quarterfinal -but withdrew due to injury. He later made it to the Miami Open final, where an eye infection impacted his performance and denied him a 25th Grand Slam title and 100th career win.
Injuries, including a nagging hamstring issue, cast a shadow over the short-lived coaching stint. Despite flashes of success, the partnership ultimately ended by mutual agreement.
A return to familiar faces and familiar grounds
With the French Open on the horizon, Djokovic addressed his coaching situation ahead of the ATP 250 Geneva Open. In a press conference, he confirmed that he won’t be seeking a new head coach for now. Instead, Serbian coach Duan Vemi, a long-time associate from Djokovic’s earlier championship runs, will join him in Geneva and at Roland Garros. Assistant coach and analyst Boris Bosnjakovic remains a core part of the team.
“It was nice at Koutnjak. It’s always nice to be among my people. It gives me motivation to continue,” Djokovic said of his recent training in Serbia. As for coaching, he was clear.
“I’m not currently looking for a coach.”
Vemi’s return marks a nod to Djokovic’s dominant years. As part of the team from 2011-2013 and again in 2016, Vemi contributed during periods when Djokovic captured multiple Grand Slams and ATP titles, including the 2016 Miami Open. His familiarity with Djokovic’s game may be just what the 24-time Grand Slam winner needs as he seeks momentum on clay.
Djokovic had only praise for Murray following their split, calling his former rival a “brilliant mind” with “a rare champion’s mentality.” The respect is mutual, and while their professional paths diverge again, the friendship clearly endures.
The 2025 season has been turbulent for Djokovic. With a 12-6 record and no titles since his Olympic gold in Paris, the Serbian star has faced uncharacteristic early losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid. Rumors of retirement have intensified, but Djokovic insists he’s far from finished.
“Tennis has consumed most of my life,” he told Business Traveler USA. “It’s never enough… and I still don’t feel it’s enough for me.”
With over $550 million earned on and off the court, Djokovic has little left to prove-but plenty still to chase. As he heads into Roland Garros with a trusted team and renewed motivation, fans will be watching closely: is another title run still in the cards?
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