Djokovic insists Murray partnership split was 'mutual'

The two members of tennis' 'big four' began working together ahead of the Australian Open, not long after three-time major winner Murray called time on his playing career.

However, Djokovic endured a difficult start to the 2025 season, suffering first-round exits in Madrid, Monte-Carlo and Indian Wells.

The Serbian announced the end of his partnership with Murray in a coaching capacity earlier this month, before claiming his 100th career ATP title in Geneva last weekend.

Nevertheless, Djokovic says both parties were in full agreement that a split was the best way forward.

"It was mutual," he said. "We both wanted to have a call and to speak. Actually, we were both on the same page, so it was not his initiative or my initiative. It was both of us coming together and just saying: 'I think we should stop here'. That's what it was.

"Andy is just an amazing person. For him to join my team and for us to give a shot to this player-coach relationship was really an incredible thing for tennis and for both of us. I was very privileged and honoured.

"I was enjoying myself very much, regardless of the fact that we haven't had maybe the success we both wanted or people expected us to have. It just didn't work out between us in terms of results, in terms of what we were hoping for, and that's all there is to it.

"But, I still think that I have learned things on the court with him. I have enjoyed my conversations with him about tennis, because I still think that he's one of the most brilliant tennis IQ guys out there.

"Whoever he decides to work with next, if and when, that player is going to be lucky because he definitely has a lot to share, a lot of great insights."

Home#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/I1HmJ9oj97

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2025

Djokovic and Murray reconvened on Sunday when, along with Roger Federer, they participated in 14-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal's farewell ceremony at Roland-Garros.

The 24-time major champion acknowledged the emotional scenes for his former rival on Court Philippe-Chatrier made him contemplate the end of his own career.

However, Djokovic insists he has no immediate intentions to step away from tennis.

"I was thinking about my end of the road as well when we were watching Rafa making his speech," he said. "Particularly those moments when we were talking about their goodbyes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries.

"Of course, part of me is proud that I'm still there, that I'm still going. But at the same time, I was – and I still am – a bit sad that they're all gone, because those guys were my greatest motivations for why I competed so intensely and for so long.

"I do think that Rafa deserved what he got. Each one of us dreams of being remembered in such a way and celebrated, of course.