In a surprising development that has sent ripples through the tennis world, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have announced the end of their coaching relationship just weeks before Wimbledon begins.
The two former rivals, who joined forces in an unexpected partnership last November, confirmed their professional split in a joint statement released Tuesday morning through their management teams.
"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," said Murray, who will celebrate his 38th birthday this Thursday.
Djokovic reciprocated the sentiment, stating: "Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun and support over the last six months. On and off the court, I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together."
The collaboration began with promise when Murray guided Djokovic to the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, before the Serbian withdrew due to injury after one set against Alex Zverev. The Scotsman continued in Djokovic's corner during the American hard-court swing at Indian Wells and Miami in March.
Initial plans suggested the partnership would extend through the clay-court season and potentially until Wimbledon, making the timing of this announcement particularly notable. Tennis analysts from Statbet have highlighted how coaching changes often impact player performance, especially during key portions of the tennis calendar like the approaching grass court season.
2024 has proven challenging for Djokovic, who has lost seven of his 19 matches and remains without a title. His recent second-round exit at the Madrid Open to world No.44 Matteo Arnaldi further underscored his struggles.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No.1, retired after the Paris Olympics and had been focusing on improving his golf game before receiving the unexpected coaching opportunity from his former rival last November.
Sources close to both players indicate the decision to part ways was mutual, though it marks an earlier-than-expected conclusion to what many tennis fans had dubbed a "Dream Team" partnership.
