Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s relationship dates back 25 years, dating back to their junior tennis days. Their rivalry has included 36 professional matches and 10 Grand Slam matches. However, until recently, they had not engaged in open conversations about tennis or personal matters.
This changed when Djokovic invited the recently retired Murray to coach him at least for the Australian Open.
“I have to say, in the beginning, it was a little strange to be able to share insights with him, not only about the game but about how I feel, about life in general. Not in a negative way, but in a way I never did that to him, because he was always one of my greatest rivals,” Djokovic said on Friday.
Djokovic explained that their previous rivalry had prevented such open communication.
“We were always hiding things from each other. Now all the cards are open on the table.
This unexpected partnership surprised the tennis world in November when Djokovic approached Murray about the possibility of coaching.
Two rivals have now become one. Daniil MedvedevThe 2021 US Open champion compared the situation to a fantasy football scenario.
“Imagine,” Medvedev said, “(if Lionel) Messi Will become Cristiano Ronaldo’s coach. That would be weird.”
It is indeed unusual to see Murray coaching Djokovic during a practice session.
Both the players are considered legends of tennis.
Djokovic holds the men’s record 24 grand slam titlesWhich includes 10 Australian Open Championships. He also holds the record for staying at number 1 for most weeks. atp Ranking.
Murray has reached the top ranking, won three major singles titles and has been a Grand Slam runner-up eight times. Five of these final losses were against Djokovic, four of which occurred at the Australian Open. Murray is the only tennis player to win two Olympic singles gold medals.
“Unfortunately, never crossed the line (in Melbourne). This man alone was responsible for this. So now I’m here to try to destroy his chances of another win,” Murray joked.
Murray described his surprise upon receiving Djokovic’s coaching request.
“Novak asked me to help him; I was shocked,” said Murray, whose last match as a player came at the Paris Olympics in August. “I obviously wasn’t expecting this when he called.”
Both players are 37 years old, having been born a week apart in May 1987. Djokovic leads their head-to-head record at Grand Slams 25–11 and overall 8–2.
However, Murray’s two wins against Djokovic were significant: the 2012 US Open final (his first major title) and the 2013 Wimbledon final, which ended a 77-year drought for a British man to win a singles title at Wimbledon.
“We thought we’d give it a try and see if I could help,” Murray said.
Murray acknowledged that Djokovic is not only a top tennis player but a top athlete overall.
“Novak is not one of the best tennis players of all time. He is one of the best athletes of all time. I expected him to be extremely hardworking. how industrious. Always looking for improvement.”
Djokovic separated from coach goran ivanisevic in March 2024 after winning 12 Grand Slam titles together. He has not appointed a permanent replacement since.
The duration of Djokovic and Murray’s coaching partnership is uncertain.
They spent just over a week together during the offseason and less than a week in Melbourne before the Australian Open.
“I was thinking about the names I want to keep for this season. I wanted someone who would win multiple Slams. The list is not that long. “Somebody who really understands what it means to win a Slam, what it means to face adversity, pressure, expectations,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic explained in detail the reasons behind his decision to approach Murray.
“Andy finished his playing career just six months ago. It was somewhat of a surprise for him when I called him,” Djokovic said. “But I think her tennis IQ is very high. We all know this.”