LONDON: Andy Murray and former rival Novak Djokovic have ended their coaching partnership after six months, the pair announced on Tuesday. Djokovic stunned the tennis world in November when he hired the retired Murray, who had no track record as a coach.

But the two 37-year-olds have now parted company after a tough start to the season for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, with the French Open looming. “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,” said Djokovic.

Britain’s Murray, born just a week before the Serb, thanked his former adversary for the chance to work with him. “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,” Murray said in a statement.

“I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.” The partnership between the two former world number ones started well, with Djokovic defeating Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open, only to be forced to retire during his semi-final against Alexander Zverev as a result of injury.

But success has since proved elusive for Djokovic, who is stuck on 99 career singles titles. He has not won a single match on clay this season, losing in the first round at Monte Carlo and Madrid. Djokovic, who turns 38 next week, pulled out of this week’s Italian Open but has taken a wild card into next week’s Geneva Open as he searches for form.

His hopes of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam triumph, which would take him clear of Australia women’s great Margaret Court’s tally of 24 singles major titles, appear to be fading. Murray admitted at the Australian Open in January he had not wanted to jump straight into coaching following his retirement last year but Djokovic’s offer proved too good to refuse.

Djokovic was glowing in his praise of the impact Murray had had, and it was announced in February that they would continue to work together for the hard-court events in Indian Wells and Miami and some clay-court events. It was anticipated that would include the French Open, while Murray’s success at Wimbledon made that a logical choice too, but they have decided to part ways.

Djokovic is a three-time French Open champion and last year won his first Olympic title on the clay of Roland Garros, beating Alcaraz in a thrilling final. But Djokovic, so used to being the alpha male of the men’s game, said after defeat in Madrid last month that he was adjusting to “a new reality”.

“Trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament... it’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis,” he said. Djokovic and Murray, who won three Grand Slams, including two Wimbledon titles, were part of the “Big Four” who dominated men’s tennis along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, both of whom have retired. They met 36 times on court, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head 25-11. – AFP