Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend and one of the greatest players of all time, recently ended his coaching partnership with former rival Andy Murray after six months of working together. As Djokovic approaches the crucial clay-court season and sets his sights on the French Open—where he aims to secure a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title—he reflects on the lessons learned from his time with Murray and shares insights into his current mindset. Despite recent struggles on clay and an unconventional start to the season, Djokovic remains focused, motivated, and unhurried in his search for the right coaching support, determined to regain his top form and continue his pursuit of tennis history.
A partnership that reached its peak
Novak Djokovic’s recent partnership with fellow tennis star Andy Murray lasted just six months, but it was a significant chapter in the 37-year-old’s career. Speaking openly about their collaboration, Djokovic said, “We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court, and that’s all there is to it.”
Despite parting ways earlier this May, Djokovic’s respect for Murray remains undiminished — in fact, it has grown. “My respect towards Andy remains the same, even more actually. I got to know him as a person. I think he has a brilliant tennis IQ, he has a very rare mind of a champion that obviously has achieved what he has achieved, and he sees the game incredibly well,” Djokovic remarked.
Their collaboration began at the start of 2025, with Djokovic seeking fresh energy and insight as he approached the later stages of his storied career. The partnership was marked by moments of promise, including Djokovic reaching the Australian Open semi-finals in his first tournament under Murray’s guidance. However, injury forced an early retirement in that event, and the rest of the season has been a challenge for the world No. 1.
Finding rhythm on clay: The road to Roland Garros
As Djokovic turns 38 this week, the tennis great is determined to regain momentum. The Geneva Open, one of the final ATP tournaments before the French Open kicks off, is his next stop. With a wildcard entry, Djokovic is chasing his 100th ATP singles title — a feat only two men have reached in the Open era.
“This year on clay, I’ve struggled,” Djokovic admitted. “I haven’t won a match yet, having suffered early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, and I skipped the Italian Open. But Geneva is a great opportunity to find rhythm.”
Clay has historically been Djokovic’s most difficult surface, despite his impressive 24 Grand Slam titles that place him tied with Margaret Court for the all-time record. The French Open, in particular, has seen him lift the trophy just three times, a figure low compared to his success elsewhere.
Djokovic’s current coaching setup includes familiar faces from his team — Dusan Vemic and assistant coach Boris Bosnjakovic are by his side. “At the moment, I’m not in need of a coach,” he said. “I don’t need to rush in any context. I feel comfortable with the people around me. In the next few tournaments, we’ll see what happens.”
Navigating a new chapter in tennis and life
This season has presented Djokovic with uncharted challenges. Having lost his first match in four of his last five tournaments, including a surprising defeat in the Miami Open final to 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik, Djokovic acknowledges this is a new phase in his career.
“It’s a different chapter of my life that I’m trying to navigate myself through,” he shared candidly. “I’m not particularly used to having this kind of circumstance where I would lose consecutive matches, tournaments, first rounds, and so forth. I don’t think it ever happened for me in the last 20 years. But I knew that eventually that moment would come.”
Still, the hunger remains strong. Djokovic’s goals are clear — to build form ahead of Roland Garros, to lift more trophies, and to perform at the level needed to challenge the best players on the tour.
“I’m trying to do well, I’m trying to win more trophies, I’m trying to build my form for Roland Garros, and perform at the desired, necessary level in order to go far in the tournament and challenge the best players in the world. So yes, the motivation is still there,” Djokovic affirmed.
Looking ahead with confidence
Despite the setbacks, Djokovic remains pragmatic and focused. His upcoming match against Hungarian Marton Fucsovics, ranked 134th, is just another step on his journey back to peak form. With a career defined by resilience, Djokovic has faced adversity before and emerged stronger. As he prepares for the clay-court season, all eyes will be on the Serbian star as he seeks to etch his name even deeper into tennis history.
His decision not to rush into hiring a new coach speaks to his confidence and maturity — knowing when to seek help and when to trust his own instincts. For Djokovic, every tournament is an opportunity to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what he can achieve, both on and off the court.
