Andy Murray to Coach Novak Djokovic Starting 2025
In a surprising turn of events in the tennis world, former rivals Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are set to join forces as Murray takes on the role of Djokovic's coach starting at the Australian Open in January 2025. This announcement was made by Djokovic on his social media platforms, where he expressed excitement about having one of his toughest opponents by his side. The two have a storied history, having faced each other 36 times on the court, with Djokovic winning 25 of those encounters.
Murray, who recently retired from professional tennis after competing in the doubles event at the Paris Olympics, is stepping into coaching for the first time. He expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I’m really excited about it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change." This collaboration comes after Djokovic's lackluster 2024 season, where he won the gold medal at the Paris Games but failed to secure any Grand Slam titles for the first time since 2017, largely due to injuries.
Djokovic's decision to hire Murray follows his split from long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic in March 2024. The two players, both born in 1987, have shared a competitive yet respectful relationship throughout their careers, often pushing each other to their limits. Djokovic's announcement included a nostalgic reflection on their rivalry, highlighting the epic battles they have had over the years.