Novak Djokovic Shocks Tennis World by Hiring Andy Murray as Coach
In a move that has left tennis fans buzzing, Novak Djokovic announced on Saturday that he has hired none other than his longtime rival, Andy Murray, as his new coach for the 2025 season. The announcement came via a joint statement and a video shared on social media, sending shockwaves through the tennis community.
Murray, who officially retired from competitive tennis after the Olympics in July, will join Djokovic’s team during the offseason and stay on at least through the Australian Open. The partnership marks a stunning twist in the storied rivalry between the two tennis legends, who have faced off in some of the sport’s most memorable matches over the years.
“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” Djokovic said in the announcement. “Looking forward to [the] start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”
Murray echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
A Rivalry Turned Partnership
Djokovic and Murray, both 37 years old, share a history that dates back to their childhood. Born just one week apart in May 1987, the two first faced off as 11-year-olds in a junior tournament, with Murray taking the win. Since then, their rivalry has blossomed into one of the most compelling in tennis history. On the ATP Tour, Djokovic holds a commanding 25-11 career record over Murray, including four victories in Australian Open finals. However, Murray has had his moments of glory, defeating Djokovic to claim two of his three career Grand Slam titles: the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013.
Now, after years of battling each other on the court, the two will join forces in what promises to be one of the most intriguing player-coach dynamics in recent memory. Fans are already speculating about how Murray’s experience and insight could help Djokovic regain his dominant form.
Djokovic’s 2024 Struggles
The decision to bring Murray on board comes after a challenging 2024 season for Djokovic. Following his split with coach Goran Ivanisevic in March—ending a six-year partnership that yielded 12 Grand Slam titles—Djokovic struggled to find his footing. Despite winning three major titles in 2023, including his record-tying 24th overall, Djokovic failed to win a Slam or even a tour-level tournament in 2024. However, he did achieve a career milestone by capturing his first Olympic gold medal in Paris, a feat that had eluded him in his previous four Olympic appearances.
Djokovic’s uncharacteristic struggles saw him skip the year-end ATP Finals, where he was the defending champion, and finish the season ranked No. 7. The addition of Murray to his team signals a clear intent to turn things around in 2025, starting with the Australian Open.
“One Final Chapter”
In a post on Instagram and X announcing the hire, Djokovic couldn’t resist a playful jab at his new coach. “He never liked retirement anyway,” Djokovic wrote, referencing Murray’s humorous post following his final match, in which he joked, “I never even liked tennis anyway.”
In the accompanying video, Djokovic reflected on their shared history and the significance of their new partnership. “We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. I thought our story may be over, [but it] turns out it has one final chapter,” Djokovic said. “It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”
Eyes on Melbourne
The 2025 Australian Open, set to begin on Jan. 12 in Melbourne, will be the first major test of the Djokovic-Murray partnership. Djokovic, already the winningest singles player in the Open Era at the event, will be chasing his 11th Australian Open title. A victory would tie him with Margaret Court for the most titles ever at the tournament and break his tie with Court for the most major singles titles in tennis history.
What’s Next?
As the tennis world eagerly awaits the start of the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Djokovic and Murray to see how this unexpected collaboration unfolds. Will Murray’s tactical acumen and firsthand knowledge of Djokovic’s game give the Serbian star the edge he needs to reclaim his dominance? Or will the pressure of their shared history prove too much? One thing is certain: this partnership has already added a fascinating new chapter to the careers of two of tennis’s greatest competitors.
- Djokovic and Murray first played each other at age 11, with Murray winning.
- Djokovic holds a 25-11 career record over Murray on the ATP Tour.
- Djokovic is aiming for his 11th Australian Open title in 2025.
With the Australian Open just weeks away, the countdown is on. Tennis fans, buckle up—this is going to be one wild ride.
Originally Written by: D’Arcy Maine
