Tennis stars Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have concluded their brief coaching partnership, just weeks before the start of Wimbledon.
A joint statement released this morning confirmed that the two players “will no longer be working together” on the tennis court.
Murray, who turns 38 on Thursday, initially coached Djokovic during the Australian Open in Melbourne in January. This proved to be a fruitful arrangement, with the Serbian reaching the semi-finals before retiring injured against Germany`s Alex Zverev.
The Scotsman, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was also part of Djokovic`s team in the United States during the March Sunshine Swing, which includes the prestigious Indian Wells and Miami Opens.
However, despite earlier plans for the collaboration to potentially extend through the clay-court season and up to Wimbledon, the decision has been made to part ways.
This means Murray will not be present in Djokovic`s player box on Centre Court this June or July.
Djokovic, who recently experienced an early exit from the Madrid Open, losing to world No. 44 Matteo Arnaldi in the second round, offered his thanks:
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.
Murray, a former world No. 1, retired after the Paris Olympics and has since been focusing on his golf game. The coaching relationship reportedly began last November when Murray received an unexpected call from his old rival, proposing the coaching role.
This “Dream Team” partnership surprised the tennis world, and its end before the summer season is notably unexpected.
Djokovic`s year has been somewhat below expectations so far, having lost seven of his 19 matches and not yet secured a title.
The decision to end the working relationship was mutually agreed upon, according to a source close to one of the players, and was announced via a joint statement on Tuesday morning.
Murray also released a statement:
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. I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.
