Novak Djokovic says his priority in working with Andy Murray this clay season is to reach his “peak at the French Open”
Novak Djokovic aims to bounce back from his shocking second-round loss at the Monte Carlo.
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Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at Miami Open 2025 (image via X @Tsobertenis)
Novak Djokovic has had a very patchy start to the season. The Serbian’s inconsistent level and performance has seen him lose his opening matches twice this year. He now aims to change things in his game this clay season but has no reason to be overly concerned as he looks to peak at the Roland Garros next month.
The World No.5 enjoyed one of his best runs of the season by reaching the Australian Open semi-final, producing some excellent performance. After that, he suffered a first-round exit at the Qatar Open and followed it up with a second-round defeat at the Indian Wells. He did well to bounce back at the Madrid Open but couldn’t claim the title despite reaching the final.
Despite playing great tennis in Miami, Djokovic was stunned by Alejandro Tabilo in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters. These losses have sparked concerns that it might be the beginning of the end for the tennis legend. In fact, there have been discussions that he’s getting closer to retirement.
Nonetheless, Djokovic seems to be aware of everything that has happened in the past three months. The former World No.1 is now currently working with his coach, Andy Murray, at the Madrid Open, as they work on finding the Serbian’s best level ahead of the French Open and Wimbledon.
The priority is obviously trying to take the level of tennis that currently is maybe not where we want it to be to the higher level, so that I can peak at the French Open. That’s where I really want to play my best tennis, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Of course, we’re in Madrid, we came in early. We’re putting in a lot of hours in the court and in the gym, trying to perfect the body and the game and basically every aspect of my game to be a few per cent better than it was in the previous weeks.
Novak Djokovic said via Sky Sports
Djokovic will hope to get back to winning ways at the Madrid Open. The Serbian has won the title three times in his career but has been absent since his dramatic loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final in 2022.
Novak Djokovic reveals that Andy Murray is behind his motivation this season
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s partnership has grown in the past three months. The two former World No.1 began in January and it screamed instant success at the Australian Open. Djokovic revealed during the aforementioned interview that the British legend has played a major role in managing his motivation for training and that they are happy with the arrangement at the moment.
The priority for us is always trying to approach the training session with the right kind of mentality – it’s not always easy. Some days I feel excited and really motivated, some days less. He [Murray] as a coach also has to manage that, which is not always easy. Then it’s obviously about specific elements in the game with certain shots that are happening in a certain pattern for days or weeks already.
Novak Djokovic said
Djokovic and Murray shared a good relationship even before their partnership. The two had grown together as friends and rivals from the Juniors to the ATP Tour. Despite Murray retiring from the sport last August, there has always been mutual respect for each other.
Novak Djokovic takes on Matteo Arnaldi in the second round of Madrid Open
Novak Djokovic is set to get his Madrid Open campaign underway. The 37-year-old played his first clay match at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he was beaten in straight sets by Alejandro Tabilo. The Serbian will now take on Matteo Arnaldi in the second round in Madrid after earning a first-round bye.
Arnaldi earned his place against Djokovic after defeating Borna Coric 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the first round. It was the Italian ninth win of the season and has suffered nine losses. In fact, he has only achieved back-to-back wins on Tour this season. The youngster will be seeking for way to defeat Djokovic.
However, Djokovic holds the experience and has the better talent to defeat Arnaldi. The World No.5 just needs to be at his best throughout the match to earn the victory. It will be their first meeting on Tour.
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