ANDY MURRAY and Novak Djokovic have decided to end their coaching partnership – a month out from Wimbledon.
It has been announced this morning that the pair will no longer be working together on the tennis court.
Murray, who turns 38 on Thursday, coached Djokovic during the Australian Open in January in Melbourne.
It proved to be a successful assignment as the Serbian superstar reached the semi-finals before pulling out injured after one completed set against German Alex Zverev.
The Scotsman – a three-time Grand Slam champion – was in Djokovic’s camp in March in the United States for the Sunshine Swing, which incorporates the Indian Wells and Miami Opens.
Yet despite the plan to work in tandem throughout the clay-court season and perhaps up until the start of Wimbledon, a split has now been confirmed.
There is now no prospect of Murray being in Djokovic’s player box on Centre Court in late June or early July.
Djokovic, who lost to world No.44 Matteo Arnaldi in the second round of the Madrid Open last week, said: “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 spent a lot of time improving his golf swing since the tennis racquets were locked away.
It was following a trip to the range last November when Murray received an unexpected call from his old adversary, asking if he fancied becoming his next coach.
This Dream Team partnership shocked the world of tennis and it is even more surprising it has not lasted until the end of the summer.
Overall, it has been an underwhelming year for Djokovic, who has lost seven of his 19 matches, and has yet to lift a title.
The two tennis icons issued a joint statement through their management companies on Tuesday morning, which called time on their working relationship.
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.”
Read the full article here