From Aryna Sabalenka to Alexander Zverev: Novak Djokovic on demand for new career role hours after Andy Murray split

Hours after announcing his split with coach Andy Murray on May 13, 2025, Novak Djokovic found himself fielding inquiries from top players, including Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev, eager to secure his services as a coach. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, speaking at a press conference in Geneva, where he accepted a wildcard to prepare for Roland Garros, expressed surprise at the swift interest in his potential new career role, while clarifying he has no immediate plans to retire or transition to coaching full-time.

Djokovic revealed that Sabalenka, the women’s world No. 1, jokingly texted him, saying, “If you’re free now, I could use some of that Grand Slam wisdom!” He noted her message was “half-serious,” given her consistent success, including 2024 Australian Open and US Open titles. Zverev, the men’s No. 2 and defending Italian Open champion, was more direct, approaching Djokovic during a practice session in Rome to discuss coaching possibilities. “Sascha mentioned he’d love to pick my brain, maybe work together down the line,” Djokovic said, per Tennis.com. Zverev, fresh off a 6-4, 6-0 rout of Vilius Gaubas, values Djokovic’s tactical acumen, especially after their competitive 2025 Australian Open semi-final, where Djokovic retired due to injury.

The interest stems from Djokovic’s reputation as a tennis mastermind, honed through 430 career major match wins and a 25-11 head-to-head edge over Murray. His recent coaching stint with Murray, which yielded a 12-7 record, including an Australian Open semi-final and Miami Open final, showcased his ability to offer strategic insights, as Murray himself praised on the *Sporting Misadventures* podcast. However, Djokovic’s 2024 season—marred by no titles and a No. 7 ranking—has fueled speculation about his future, especially as he turns 38 days before the French Open.

Djokovic laughed off the coaching buzz, saying, “I’m still playing, you know! I’m not hanging up my racket yet.” He emphasized his focus on Geneva and Roland Garros, where he aims for a record 25th Grand Slam, working temporarily with his brother Marko after Murray’s exit. While flattered by Sabalenka and Zverev’s interest, he noted the demands of coaching, as seen in Murray’s intense preparation, don’t align with his current goals. Still, he didn’t rule out future mentoring, hinting, “Maybe one day, but for now, I’m chasing titles, not coaching gigs.”