Paris, France – Novak Djokovic insists on the call to split with Andy Murray as the coaches are “mutual,” but admits that the outcome was not what they wanted while they were working together.
Djokovic, 38, will hold a French Open campaign with Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday after his victory in the 100th ATP tournament in Geneva on Saturday. Djokovic said the victory was “very necessary for his) game,” as he re-adjusted some form after a turbulent start in 2025, crashing from the opening round of the Madrid Open, the Monte Carlo Masters and the Indian well.
Murray joined Djokovic as coach in November, and the two teamed up until May 13th, when the two announced the end of the partnership. Djokovic has since said the two “have not been able to acquire any more from their partnership in the court,” which he made further clarification in Paris on Monday.
“It was mutual,” Djokovic said. “We both wanted to call, so we – in reality, we were both on the same page, so it wasn’t his initiative or my initiative.
Djokovic saw Murray on Sunday when he attended the farewell ceremony for Rafael Nadal.
“He congratulated me (in Geneva) and said, ‘You’re winning the tournament because you have the right coach,'” the Serb added.
“I don’t know, I didn’t make it a joke! Of course he was kidding, but you know… I think I said it enough, but I’ll say it again: Andy is just a great person.
“It was truly incredible for him to join my team and we could give this player-coach relationship a shot, which was truly incredible for both tennis and us. I was a very privileged and honored.
“But I think I still learned something in court with him. I enjoy talking to him about tennis, and that’s it.
“Personally, I actually enjoyed my time with him so much. I feel like we’re in a closer relationship due to the work relationships of the past four or five months.”
The two were standing side by side with Roger Federer as part of Nadal’s farewell ceremony at Court Phillip Chatelier on Sunday. The four of them have dominated men’s tennis for most of this century, and Djokovic is the last man to have the other three retired.
Djokovic said seeing Nadal farewell was an emotional opportunity and led him to consider his own “end of the road.” However, he added that he still has no plans to leave the sport.
“Well, honestly, I was talking to Murray, especially when I saw Rapha giving a speech about the end of the road last night or yesterday, especially when I was with the three of us, the three of us, and I was clearly talking to Murray that it reminded me of their goodbye and the competition.
“And of course, part of me is proud that I am still there, that I am still doing, but at the same time I was and I am still a little sad that they are all gone.
“I think Rapha deserves what he gained yesterday with the perfect strength of glory. Of course, each of us dreams of being remembered and celebrated in such a way.
