Djokovic Hints At Another High-Profile Collaboration With Tennis Legend As His Coach
NewsSaturday, 23 August 2025 at 22:37
Novak Djokovic has not had a full-time coach since Andy Murray's departure earlier this season, but he hinted that another high-profile collaboration could be upcoming.
Murray began his spell as Djokovic's coach at the start of 2025. They got off to a promising start in the opening few months, and the Serbian was enthusiastic about his former on-court rival's impact on him.
However, things came to a swift end. Djokovic and Murray parted ways in May, a few weeks before the 2025 French Open, and the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist later admitted that he did not enjoy coaching as much as he hoped.
Murray has been Djokovic's only full-time coach since Goran Ivanisevic left that role in March 2024 after almost five years with the 24-time Grand Slam champion. He has worked with figures in a short-term capacity in the last few months.
Claytenis reported on Djokovic's comments to Serbian reporters at the 2025 US Open. Although he did not give her name directly, the four-time winner at Flushing Meadows appeared to indicate that he meant Monica Seles when speaking.
"I’m smiling because it’s like you’ve read my mind, but I can’t tell you anything. I’ve been stirring the pot a little, talking… We’ll see, you’ll be informed. I think you know who I'm talking about."
"We’ll see. These are just initial talks, and it’s more about the emotional aspect than a long-term partnership. That would mean a lot to me. I think you know who I’m talking about, but let’s not go into names now, so I don’t jump the gun. If it even happens… We’ve had some interesting conversations."
Despite Djokovic not naming Seles, rumors about them possibly collaborating and previous comments from the former ATP world No. 1 about being open to working with one of his childhood idols made it seem apparent he was talking about the nine-time Grand Slam singles champion.
While some type of collaboration with Seles is possible, Djokovic clarified that hiring a full-time coach at this stage of his career is unlikely, partially because of his reduced schedule to focus on the four Grand Slams.
"Honestly, I’m not seeking that. I’m at a stage of my career where I don’t feel the need to have someone with me 24/7 all year. My schedule is revised and significantly reduced. It’s hard for me to ask someone to commit full-time when I’m playing maybe two tournaments in two or three months."
"In our sport, that’s a tricky situation for a coach. I don’t feel it’s necessary right now, but I’d love to have some big names alongside me for a tournament or two—like Andy (Murray) earlier this year. I’m open to that. We’ll see—maybe it happens, maybe it doesn’t."
Djokovic also confirmed that Dusan Vemic, who was with him for this year's French Open and Wimbledon, would be absent for the US Open, but he said his return in the future is possible.
"Dule is not with me now; maybe he’ll join for some tournaments in the future. Again, there’s no contract or long-term plan. It’s more occasional—if it suits both of us, we work together. For now, it’s just Boris (Bošnjaković) with me."
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