Djokovic - Murray: From arch-rivals to a fleeting teacher-student relationship

Djokovic - Murray "broke up" early after 6 months together - Photo: REUTERS

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are among the names that have shaped the golden era of men 's tennis. They are not only rivals on the court, but also childhood companions, conquering the peaks and experiencing countless challenges together.

Their complicated relationship was tested once again when Murray unexpectedly took on the role of Djokovic's coach. A promising new chapter soon ended in disappointment.

archrival

Djokovic and Murray have been rivals since their youth and have used each other as a driving force to develop. Over the course of their careers, they have faced each other a total of 36 times, with Djokovic winning 25-11. Their peak was in 7 Grand Slam finals.

Djokovic has won a total of 24 Grand Slam titles. Meanwhile, Murray has only 3 Grand Slams and 2 Olympic singles gold medals. But his perseverance and strong will to fight have helped him become an icon of British tennis, and an indispensable part of the legendary "Big Four".

Their relationship on the court is fiercely competitive, but off the court, they always have respect for each other. They understand the sacrifices, efforts and pressures that the other has to go through. It is this understanding that creates a special bond.

The shock named "Coach Murray"

In August 2024, Andy Murray announced his retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics. Fans had not yet recovered from the sadness of his farewell when, unexpectedly, in December of the same year, the tennis world was shocked again: Murray would return to the court, but as a coach for his biggest rival - Novak Djokovic.

Murray becoming Djokovic's coach shocked tennis fans around the world - Photo: AFP

This decision has caused many conflicting opinions. Legend Jeremy Chardy commented that this coach-athlete relationship will be difficult because Djokovic and Murray "are not really close friends". However, he also believes that mutual respect will help them avoid major conflicts.

Djokovic himself is very excited about this collaboration. "I am very happy to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net as my coach," he shared.

"We've been playing against each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to the limit. We had some of the most epic battles in history," Djokovic added.

The early signs of this partnership are quite positive. At the 2025 Australian Open, the Serbian played excellently despite a hamstring injury, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

He has heaped praise on Murray's professionalism and passion, which has inspired him. The "honeymoon" promises to be a successful combination, with the initial aim being to work together until at least Wimbledon.

Short-lived teacher-student relationship

But the bright colors did not last long. Djokovic's form after injury began to decline alarmingly, with consecutive early defeats to underdogs like Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi in Monte Carlo and Madrid.

A run of three consecutive losses ahead of the Miami Open has forced Djokovic to admit that he is facing a difficult period.

Djokovic's poor form is probably the reason why the teacher-student relationship soon broke down - Photo: AFP

Djokovic's frustration was evident on the practice court. Practice sessions seemed to be fruitless, and the Serb's mood darkened. A video of Djokovic swearing in Serbian during a practice session in Madrid, as Murray fed him the ball, provided some insight into the strained relationship.

After just six months, the decision was made to part ways. Djokovic announced the end of their partnership, thanking Murray for all the hard work, joy and support over the past six months both on and off the court.

The breakup is not surprising given that Djokovic is going through one of the worst periods of his career. Age 37 is a huge barrier for many great players, and Djokovic is no exception. Despite winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, his overall form in the 2024 season and the first half of 2025 has been inconsistent.

This failed collaboration once again shows the complexity of the relationship between the two legends. There is respect, but transforming from rivals to masters and students is a completely different story. The pressure of achievement, the difference in approach and perhaps the ego of the great champions made this combination unable to last.

Now Djokovic is at a crucial crossroads. He will have to find a new direction to revive his career that is in its final stages. Participating in the Geneva Open, a small ATP 250 tournament, shows his effort to regain the winning feeling.

Meanwhile, Murray will probably return to "retirement" life, enjoying other pleasures after a short but tumultuous chapter as a coach.

Despite the unexpected outcome, the partnership between Djokovic and Murray remains a memorable one in tennis history. It shows that even the biggest rivals can find common ground and become a teacher and student.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/djokovic-murray-tu-ky-phung-dich-thu-den-tinh-thay-tro-chong-vanh-20250515140330833.htm