The real-life version of a tennis fan-fiction graphic novel is over. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have decided that whatever gold their alchemy created at the Australian Open, it has now run out.
The stories of these two old rivals will continue on separate paths. Djokovic is nearing a final chapter but Murray’s tale – a sequel, after his own playing career – has plenty of plot twists ahead.
The cessation of the coaching deal with Djokovic has left Murray in an interesting position. Until the call came from the Serb, he had no intention of returning to the sport any time soon. He was nurturing a golf obsession and enjoying sustained family time with wife Kim and children Sophia, Edie, Teddie and Lola.
He accepted Djokovic’s offer because it was too good to turn down; literally once in a lifetime. Now that is over he can retreat to the greens, the fairways and the living room. Next month he will embark on a four-date theatre tour, in conversation with broadcaster Andrew Cotter. Earlier this month he signed a deal with motivational-speaking company Chartwell Speakers, whose roster includes Gordon Brown, Jeremy Hunt and Sir Mo Farah.
So he appears to be moving on from tennis, and happily so.
The problem is, he is now on the market. He is officially ‘coach Murray’. Offers are sure to arrive and for a tennis obsessive like Sir Andy, how long can he say no before the itch becomes too tempting to scratch?
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have ended their partnership ahead of the French Open
Emma Raducanu is yet to appoint a permanent coach, and Murray could be an option for her
Jack Draper has spoken of his respect for Murray, but would be mad to change his current setup after a brilliant start to 2025
If and when he does return to coaching, the smart money would be on an all-British alliance. Even in his playing days Murray was an open book of advice to his countrymen and women. Cam Norrie tells a great story about his first match against Murray. Afterwards, Murray buttonholed his opponent’s coach and gave him a detailed tactical breakdown of Norrie’s strengths and weaknesses.
In 2022 Murray was asked who he would like to coach, on the men’s and women’s side. ‘Female player would be Emma Raducanu and male players would be between Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jack Draper,’ he replied, and while that answer was purely hypothetical then it feels a little more practical now.
In the first instance of this column, in February, I argued that Murray would be the perfect coach for Raducanu. Of anyone on earth, he is the one who can most closely empathise with the pressure under which Raducanu is operating as she tries to build her career.
And the challenge of nurturing Raducanu’s talent could be too enticing to turn down. For Raducanu, also, Murray ticks the vital box of having known her before US Open fame.
The timing does not feel quite right yet, however. Raducanu has shown steady improvement since the ad-hoc coaching deal with Mark Petchey in Miami, so there seems no reason to change. But as long as Petchey continues to juggle his role as a Tennis Channel commentator, that arrangement is not sustainable long term.
As to Draper, he would be mad to change his coaching set up now as he charges up the world rankings. He looks a Grand Slam champion in the making and British tennis fans, including Murray himself, will hope James Trotman and deputy Alex Ward can coach him to major glory.
Grand Slam titles are not easy to come by, however, and there may come a time when Draper feels that, to take the next step, he needs someone in the camp who has been there and done it. As Ivan Lendl did for Murray, could the Scot himself be the one to take Draper to the promised land?
A couple of mouthwatering prospects, then, but neither seems especially likely this summer.
Jacob Fearnley (pictured) idolises Murray, and could turn to his fellow Scot for guidance
Murray teaming up with Nick Kyrgios ahead of Wimbledon would be a fascinating move
And, given the ease of combining coaching duties with family life – and golf – during Wimbledon, a short-term stint on the green grass of home could be very tempting to Murray.
Of the other British players, Jacob Fearnley is an interesting possibility. The 23-year-old has had a superb start to his professional career since graduating from US college in Texas. Growing up not far from Murray’s birthplace of Dunblane, he idolises his fellow Scot.
Fearnley is currently coached by his ex-college team-mate Juan Martin. The benefits to both men of adding Murray to the team over the summer would be enormous.
A final, wildcard possibility – one which would send the tennis world into a frenzy – is Nick Kyrgios.
‘As soon as I came on the tour, he kind of saw a work in progress and took me under his wing,’ said Kyrgios of Murray in 2023, describing the start of an unlikely friendship.
The 30-year-old Aussie is eyeing up what will likely be a final appearance at Wimbledon this summer. Despite being largely inactive due to injury for the past three years, Kyrgios feels he can still do damage at the event where he was a runner-up in 2022.
Would Murray be up for a wild ride alongside his pal? The chance to prove he can be the man to coach the uncoachable? The contrarian in him would surely love that challenge.
As for Djokovic, this feels like the last days of Rome as his tennis empire crumbles around him. The quest for Grand Slam No 25 continues but his chances of success are diminishing fast. Wimbledon is his best and, to my mind, only chance. Win that and he could retire on the spot with no worlds left to conquer.
Djokovic must figure out what he wants to do next as he continues his quest for a 25th Grand Slam
It would be no surprise to see Djokovic go back to his first professional coach Marian Vajda
But if Djokovic goes winless through to the autumn, the Belgrade Open in early November feels like a well-timed exit plan in front of his devout Serbian followers.
In terms of coaching, it would be no surprise to see Djokovic return again to his first professional coach Marian Vajda.
Djokovic would love to share with Vajda his crowning glory or, failing that, his final days instead.
It would be appropriate if the grand master finishes his career with the faithful old retainer by his side.
Stars spotted sight-seeing in Rome
Tennis players are not always the best at taking advantage of the spectacular cities through which the tour takes them – but a stop in Rome tempts even the most uncurious out of their hotel room.
And so during the Italian Open fortnight, visitors to the eternal city can combine sightseeing with tennis-star spotting.
In my own ramblings through the city I walked past Jack Draper and his physio Jonny Binding – me heading towards the Trevi Fountain, they away from it – and saw Andy Murray’s former fitness trainer Jez Green, now with Alexander Zverev, in the Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo, which has a couple of Carravaggios tucked away in the corner.
Coco Gauff said her trips into the city were more food tours than sightseeing. On that note, it is a sad irony that in one of the gastronomic capitals of the world the food served up to the public – and journalists – at the Foro Italico is among the worst on tour.
The player restaurant is good though, apparently, so at least they’re happy. Although the presence of a gelato truck seems like an unnecessary temptation for elite athletes.
Coco Gauff – who beat Raducanu on Monday – has been enjoying food tours in Rome
One to watch
Peyton Stearns, 23, USA
Peyton Stearns (pictured) is only improving and will be a threat at the French Open
When Stearns was dumped by Tom Hill on Instagram last month she needed a coach; when Blaz Kavcic’s player Max Purcell was banned by anti-doping, he needed a job. After their twin misfortunes, it is nice to see this new pairing working out.
Hill left Stearns’ employment to return to former charge Maria Sakkari. And in a departure of etiquette, he made it clear on social media that the split was his decision.
A rather embarrassing situation for Stearns but she took it in her stride and moved on to bigger and better things. When Hill left she was world No 44; she will rise to at least No26 next week after reaching the last 16 in Madrid and now the quarter-finals in Rome.
She hits her forehand with more topspin than most in the women’s game and that makes her ideally suited to the clay. One to watch at the French Open.
