"Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray are not very close friends, the relationship will be difficult" - Ex-ATP pro gives his verdict on Serb's new coach hire
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will commence their partnership during the Australian swing early in the 2025 season. Former French tennis player Jeremy Chardy believes that while the collaboration would be "difficult", the two's mutual respect may allow them to work effectively together.
In a recent statement, Chardy, who coaches World No. 14 Ugo Humbert, opined about the highly-anticipated partnership between tennis greats Djokovic and Murray. The Serb was without a coach for months and the Murray had recently retired from playing before this unexpected collaboration was announced.
Chardy highlighted the potential complexities and dynamics of a player-coach relationship, particularly in this case. The Frenchman acknowledged that while the pair were not particularly close friends, their understanding of the demands of elite tennis from firsthand experience would make the collaboration unique.
"They're not very close friends but they know each other so it's always difficult, the relationship will be difficult because Andy was one of the best players and he beat him. And when you're on the pitch you don't see things the same way as a coach. I don't think they're going to argue. But maybe! Because sometimes you have to argue, it's good to argue. Although I think they respect each other too much," Chardy said (via WeLoveTennis).
Jeremy Chardy predicts Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray's partnership to last a "full year" or more
In an exclusive interview with Express, Jeremy Chardy predicted the Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray partnership to last a full year.
"For me, they will go for the full year on the big tournaments and if it’s going well they will continue," the Frenchman said.
Chardy emphasized that improvements in a player-coach partnership do not happen instantly. He pointed out that achieving significant progress requires patience and at least six months of consistent effort to see results.
"It’s not magical, it’s a process, you need to believe in the process, believe in the direction you are taking. If they have decided to work together, it means they believe they can do something really good together," he added.
In March 2024, Djokovic parted ways with longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic. The Serb continued playing without a coach for the rest of the season and bagged the elusive Olympic gold medal in Paris.
In November, he announced his upcoming partnership with Andy Murray, who had embraced retirement from playing tennis in August after the Olympics.
There is still an air of mystery around where the pair are conducting their practice sessions ahead of the 2025 season. They were both spotted in Marbella recently and it is believed that they are training there at Djokovic's base. The Serb, ranked World No. 7, will begin his new season at the Brisbane International and hope to win his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open later in January.