Novak Djokovic’s decision to end his coaching agreement with Andy Murray was far from a bolt from the blue, but seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin says it raises more questions about what comes next for the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
Former world No 1s Djokovic and Murray caused a stir in the tennis world in November 2024 when they announced they would work together during the off-season and the 2025 Australian Open.
After Djokovic reached the semi-final of the season-opening Grand Slam at Melbourne Park, they announced that the collaboration would continue, hinting they are likely to work together during the French Open and Wimbledon.
But the pair announced on social media on Tuesday that the partnership has come to an end with Djokovic stating: “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun and support over last six months on and off the court. I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together.”
Having retired from tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympics in August, working with Djokovic was Murray’s first foray into coaching.
The three-time Grand Slam winner 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.”
Former WTA world No 1 Henin says Djokovic was looking for “something fresh” when he turned to Murray, but the latest move was predictable.
“I’m not surprised about this decision. We can speak about the timing of it,” she told TNT Sports.
“We thought maybe they would have been going to Wimbledon together. This is what they said after the Australian Open: ‘Let’s speak about it and if we still want to collaborate’.
