Amelie Mauresmo says Novak Djokovic is still a leading contender heading into Roland-Garros and addresses Andy Murray split - ‘Can never put him out’
Published 21/05/2025 at 10:30 GMT+1
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Will we see Novak Djokovic add to his record haul of 24 Grand Slams? French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo admits that while it may be a long shot to expect a fourth Roland-Garros title from the Serbian, it cannot be ruled out. Djokovic has travelled to Geneva in order to gain some last-minute match practice before the second major of the year begins on May 25.
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Amelie Mauresmo believes Novak Djokovic still has the hunger to achieve even more Grand Slam success, as the Serbian aims to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam.
Djokovic chose not to play at the Italian Open, but has decided to squeeze in some match practice at the ATP 250 tournament in Geneva next week.
The 37-year-old will be aiming to win a 100th title in Switzerland before heading to Roland-Garros, which begins on May 25 and will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Djokovic recently announced his split from coach Andy Murray, and the French Open director had her say on the separation as well as the Serbian’s motivation to achieve more success in an already trophy-laden career.
"He's going to be in Geneva and playing next week to try to get some matches, to try and feel a little bit more confident here in his game - mentally as well," she told Eurosport France.
"So, he's still pretty motivated to go and play in Geneva and come here with - hopefully for him - a few matches under his belt.
"I don't know why they stopped with Andy, to be honest. But, he's definitely [Djokovic] going to be coming here.
"Maybe not with a lot of expectations, but you can never put him out [of the list of contenders], that's for sure."
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Mauresmo was asked if she was disappointed by the prospect of not seeing Murray in the coaches’ box at Roland-Garros, after spending two years coaching the three-time Grand Slam winner between 2014 and 2016.
She added: "No, I'm happy that he had this experience with Novak. I think you learn a lot in yourself also when you go on the other side of the fence.
"I would have loved to see them both here and working together. I would have liked to witness this here in Roland-Garros.
"But listen, it's okay. It's how it was meant to be, and we stay in touch anyway, so it's good."
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Meanwhile, the pair's decision to split did not come as a surprise to Justine Henin, who feels Djokovic was looking for Murray to add something "fresh" to his game.
"I'm not surprised about this decision. We can speak about the timing of it," she said.
"We thought maybe they would have been going to Wimbledon together. This is what they said after the Australian Open: 'Let’s speak about it and if we still want to collaborate'.
"But did they really expect something? Both of them?
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"What is certain is Djokovic knew Andy Murray would be helpful, but it was also to bring something fresh, some power, telling himself, 'with Andy Murray, I have to find this motivation, to offer him my motivation'.
"He probably thinks about this, about this motivation, and that’s why he has taken this decision now."
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