"I was wrong": Former world number one admits surprise after Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray partnership ends in just six months

Former world number one Boris Becker has stated that he is ‘lost of words’ after learning that Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Britain’s Andy Murray ended their partnership. The two got together at the end of last year in what became one of the most high-profile partnerships in modern tennis history.

The reason was that Djokovic, who is regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles, was set to be joined by another former world number one Murray, who won three Grand Slam titles and retired from the sport just last year after featuring in the Paris Olympics.

Their partnership ended recently as both thanked each other in posts on social media. Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun and support over the last six months on and off the court. Really enjoyed deepening our friendship together," said Djokovic. "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,” was the response of Murray.

Former world number one Becker has recently spoken to British media outlet The Independent, where he stated that he is ‘lost for words’ after learning that both players decided to part ways so soon after starting to work together. The 57-year-old, who won six major titles in his career, stated that the decision because he thought both only got together to win Grand Slams and the only major event where they were together, which was the Australian Open in January earlier this year, Djokovic had an impressive outing but was only forced to retire because of a fitness concern.

“I’m a little bit surprised that they would end their working relationship just a week before Roland-Garros,” said Becker. “I thought Melbourne was a big success. I was happy to see Andy back in action in Novak’s corner. I really wanted to see them both at Wimbledon, actually. Andy knows a thing or two about winning Wimbledon, he’s very popular there. I thought it would be an advantage for Novak to have Andy in his corner. I’m a little bit lost for words [as to] why they’ve broken up just before the second grand slam. I thought it was always about the grand slams and I thought the campaign in Melbourne went very well. I don’t know the reasons. Novak is a smart guy – he knows what he’s doing. I definitely thought this relationship would go at least until Wimbledon, but I was wrong.”