Tennis legend Novak Djokovic split on Tuesday with coach Andy Murray just two weeks ahead of the start of the French Open in Paris.
Djokovic and Murray – rivals on the senior ATP circuit for nearly two decades before Murray's retirement last August – joined forces in January just before the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old Serb, a 10-time winner in Melbourne, surged to the semi-finals but withdrew from his match with Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring injury.
After the event, Djokovic said that Murray had agreed to continue the partnership through the European clay court swing that culminates at the French Open at the end of May.
Djokovic, who has won a record 24 titles at the Grand Slam events in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York, hailed Murray's efforts on social media.
"Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun & support over last six months on & off the court. I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together."
Djokovic won 25 of his 36 matches against Murray between 2006 and 2022. His move to recruit Murray initially raised eyebrows. But his run to the last four at the Australian Open and the final at the Miami Masters in March silenced the doubters.
However, Djokovic lost his opening match on the clay at the Monte Carlo Masters in April and he was also defeated in the opening round at the Madrid Masters later that month.
“Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together," said Murray in a statement. "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.”
On Tuesday, Djokovic, who has dropped to six in the world rankings, confirmed he would play at the Geneva Open which begins on 17 May.
The Geneva line-up includes the world number four Taylor Fritz and the seventh ranked Casper Ruud who beat Jack Draper to take the Madrid Masters.
