Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will no longer work together, with the duo announcing their split earlier this week. And four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier has offered his theory about the separation.
Murray and Djokovic joined forces ahead of the 2025 season after the Serbian had parted ways with Goran Ivanisevic last spring. The Briton was in Djokovic’s circle during the Australian Open at the start of the year and helped the 37-year-old reach the semi-finals. But Djokovic’s form has nosedived in recent months and he withdrew from the Italian Open after falling at the first hurdle at the Madrid Masters, the Monte-Carlo Masters and Indian Wells.
Djokovic has landed more Grand Slam titles than any other man in the history of tennis after winning his 24th Major at the 2023 US Open. But he failed to win a Grand Slam last year as he ended the season without one of the big four trophies for the first time since 2017.
Djokovic has struggled to keep pace with the best players in the sport since his run in Melbourne. And Courier thinks the veteran is searching for motivation.
“The clay court season hasn’t been what either Murray or Novak would’ve wanted,” the American told the Tennis Channel. “I don’t know what’s exactly going on.
“Where does this leave Novak now? Did he ever really need a coach? No. Did he need motivation? Does this provide a spark now?
“If you’re him, you just have to be looking for motivation because it seems like his health is where it needs to be, his tennis is not where he wants it to be.
“Maybe he felt like he needed another trigger to get ready for this next run of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, when it matters the most.”
After Djokovic and Murray ended their partnership, the Serbian explained: “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun & support over last six months on & off the court, really enjoyed deepening our friendship together.”
And Murray said: “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.”
Djokovic is set to return to action at the Geneva Open next week after accepting a wildcard into the ATP250 tournament. He will then take his place at the French Open, which begins the following week, where he will be looking to lift the trophy for the fourth time in his career.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk