Tennis

Novak Djokovic turns to familiar faces after splitting with Murray ahead of Roland Garros

Twelve days before Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic split with coach Andy Murray. He has since turned to trusted collaborators while training in Belgrade.

Novak Djokovic has found a new member for his team
© Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic has found a new member for his team

On Tuesday, Novak Djokovic announced that he was ending his six-month coaching partnership with Andy Murray, just 12 days before the French Open. However, new reports suggest that he is already working with Victor Troicki, his longtime friend and Serbia’s Davis Cup captain, as well as with Boris Bosnjakovic.

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In a new video shared on social media, Djokovic is seen training in Belgrade with his Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic. Troicki also took part in the session, while Bosnjakovic was pictured working alongside Djokovic.

Both men have a close relationship with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Troicki was in Djokovic’s box during last summer’s Paris Olympics and has coached him during brief spells. Bosnjakovic joined the team ahead of last year’s French Open, where Djokovic reached the quarter-finals before withdrawing due to a knee injury.

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Djokovic hasn’t won an official title since the Paris Olympics. This season, he had deep runs in Australia, having to retire in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev, and in Miami, in which he lost the final to Jakub Mensik.

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However, Djokovic has looked more uncertain than ever on clay this season. He lost his opening matches in both Monte Carlo and Madrid, where he had a first-round bye, before withdrawing from Rome altogether.

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Djokovic admits his frustration

According to The Athletic, sources close to Murray weren’t surprised by the split. In Madrid, Djokovic was seen losing his cool during practice, and later, admitted he has to “adjust” to his “new reality” on Tour.

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However, as he has proven time and time again, nobody should count him out. Especially in the biggest events. Djokovic will head to the Geneva Open next week, hoping to pick up his first win on clay this season at the ATP 250 event.

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic practice in Miami (Getty Images)

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic practice in Miami (Getty Images)

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He is still chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam. As the French Open seems difficult, the Serbian could instead choose to point out to Wimbledon, as he has won seven times there, and could match Roger Federer’s record in London.

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However, if he doesn’t go deep at the French Open or Wimbledon, retirement talk will only grow louder. “I hope it’s not [the end], but it could be,” he admitted recently. But first, all the attention will be on Geneva.

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