Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray coaching split was expected, says former world No. 1 Justine Henin - 'I'm not surprised'
Published 13/05/2025 at 16:41 GMT+1
Andy Murray's time coaching Novak Djokovic has come to an end. The pair linked up in November 2024 following a lengthy rivalry on the court. Djokovic went on to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open under Murray's guidance, but he has since failed to win a match on clay. Former women's world No. 1 Justine Henin believes that Djokovic was looking for Murray to bring something "fresh".
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Justine Henin was not surprised to hear that Andy Murray would be stepping down from his role on Novak Djokovic's coaching staff.
The former British No. 1 joined forces with the 24-time Grand Slam winner in November 2024, but they will now go their separate ways after a difficult start to the clay-court season.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open while working alongside Murray, but was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a leg injury.
Former world No. 1 Henin believes that Djokovic was looking for Murray to bring something "fresh" to his game.
"I'm not surprised about this decision. We can speak about the timing of it," she said.
"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'.
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Watch Murray's reaction as coach cracks a smile while watching Djokovic
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"But did they really expect something? Both of them?
"What is certain is Djokovic knew Andy Murray would be helpful, but it was also to bring something fresh, some power, telling himself, 'With Andy Murray, I have to find this motivation, to offer him my motivation'.
"He probably thinks about this, about this motivation, and that’s why he has taken this decision now."
Djokovic is yet to win on clay this season ahead of the start of the 2025 French Open later this month, which you can watch and stream live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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He will be a wildcard at the Geneva Open next week, and Henin does not think it is possible to predict what his coaching team will look like by then.
"It’s impossible to answer this [if Djokovic will continue without a specific coach]. We are not in his head, but this period of doubt is huge," she added.
"Everything will come from him, from his resources, his wishes to stay here at this level.
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'I love it' - Djokovic explains why having Murray in coaching corner is so helpful
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"We don’t know about his personal issues, if he has some. There are a lot of unknown topics.
"He will be in Geneva before Roland Garros, but it’s extremely difficult to predict what is going to happen.
"We all wait, we all want to see him, but what does he need? He is probably looking for this also."
Watch and stream the 2025 French Open live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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