Context:

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have decided to end their coaching relationship prematurely after just six months due to a disappointing run of results for Djokovic. Both 37 years old, the former professional tennis player and the tennis star mutually expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared how the partnership strengthened their friendship. Despite reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, Djokovic's performance declined, leading to early exits in the Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters and a missed Italian Open. Djokovic has accepted a wildcard entry for the Geneva Open, hoping to improve his performance. This decision reflects the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak performance and the impact coaching dynamics can have on their careers.

Dive Deeper:

• Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, both 37, have ended their coaching partnership after six months, primarily due to Djokovic's poor performance during the season.

• Murray and Djokovic's partnership, which was intended to enhance Djokovic's performance, concluded with mutual expressions of gratitude and the deepening of their personal friendship.

• Despite reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in January, Djokovic's subsequent performances were disappointing, including defeats in the Miami Open final and early exits from Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters tournaments.

• Djokovic's decision to skip the Italian Open without providing a reason and his acceptance of a wildcard for the Geneva Open suggest strategic adjustments in his competitive approach.

• The early termination of their professional relationship highlights the critical role of coaching in sports and the pressures on athletes to deliver consistent results.

• Both Murray and Djokovic publicly acknowledged each other's efforts over the past six months, emphasizing their positive personal rapport despite professional challenges.

• The end of this coaching tenure underscores the unpredictable nature of sports partnerships and the constant need for athletes to adapt to achieve success.

• Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are ending their coaching partnership early.

• The 37-year-old former pro tennis player and the 37-year-old tennis star stopped working together after six months, cutting their partnership short.

• Novak will no longer be coached by Andy following a poor run of results this season, per ESPN.

• “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun and support over last six months on and off the court — really enjoyed deepening our friendship together,” he said in a statement.

• Andy added: “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together, and thanks to his team for all their hard work over the past six months. I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.”

• Novak reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in January before sustaining an injur. He made the Miami Open final in March, only to be defeated by Jakub Mensik.

• He was beaten in his opening matches at Masters tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid in April as well. He skipped the ongoing Italian Open without giving a reason, and accepted a wildcard for the May 18-24 Geneva Open.