Novak Djokovic Hires Andy Murray as Coach for Australian Open/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a stunning collaboration, Novak Djokovic has hired longtime rival Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open. The two tennis legends, who share a rich history of rivalry, are now working together to fine-tune Djokovic’s game. This unexpected pairing has drawn comparisons to Messi coaching Ronaldo and highlights Murray’s sharp tennis IQ.
Djokovic and Murray Team Up: Quick Looks
- Rivals to Partners: Djokovic and Murray, both 37 and born a week apart, join forces at the Australian Open.
- Historic Background: Djokovic holds 24 Grand Slam titles; Murray boasts three and two Olympic golds.
- Murray’s Transition: Recently retired, Murray is exploring coaching for the first time.
- Why Murray?: Djokovic sought someone with firsthand Slam-winning experience and high tennis IQ.
- Future Uncertain: The partnership is currently limited to the Australian Open, with no long-term plans yet.
Novak Djokovic Hires Andy Murray as Coach for Australian Open
Deep Look
Tennis fans are witnessing an unprecedented partnership as Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray join forces for the 2025 Australian Open. The announcement, made in November, surprised the tennis world, given the duo’s fierce rivalry spanning decades. Djokovic, who holds a record 24 Grand Slam titles, has chosen Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, as his coach for the tournament.
From Rivals to Allies
Djokovic and Murray have known each other for 25 years, battling 36 times as professionals, including 10 Grand Slam matchups. They’ve shared the court in some of the sport’s most iconic moments, with Djokovic leading their head-to-head series 25-11. Murray’s victories include two of the most pivotal matches of his career: the 2012 U.S. Open final and the 2013 Wimbledon final, where he ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s singles champion.
Now, instead of competing against each other, they’re collaborating. Djokovic admitted the dynamic felt strange at first.
“We were always hiding things from each other. Now all cards are on the table,” he said.
Murray, who retired after the Paris Olympics in August 2024, was equally surprised by Djokovic’s invitation.
“I was shocked when he called,” said Murray. “But we thought we’d give it a go and see if I can help.”
Why Murray?
“The list is not that long,” he noted. Murray’s recent retirement and sharp tennis IQ made him an ideal candidate.
“Novak is not just one of the best tennis players of all time, he’s one of the best athletes of all time,” Murray said. “I expected him to be extremely hard-working, and he hasn’t disappointed.”
A Unique Perspective
Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, compared the partnership to Lionel Messi coaching Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting the rarity of such a collaboration between rivals. During practice sessions, it’s striking to see Murray offering insights from the baseline where he once competed against Djokovic.
“This man was single-handedly responsible for my losses in Melbourne,” Murray quipped, referencing four Grand Slam finals he lost to Djokovic at the tournament.
What’s Next?
The partnership is currently limited to the Australian Open, which begins Sunday. The two began working together in the offseason and have spent less than a week training in Melbourne.
Djokovic parted ways with longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic in March 2024 after a successful partnership that yielded 12 Grand Slam titles. Whether Murray will stay on as Djokovic’s coach after the tournament remains uncertain.
Shared History, Shared Goals
Despite the short-term nature of their collaboration, Djokovic and Murray’s partnership has already provided a fresh perspective for both. For Djokovic, it’s an opportunity to draw on Murray’s expertise; for Murray, it’s a chance to stay connected to the sport in a new capacity.
As Djokovic seeks to extend his record 24 Grand Slam titles, this partnership could mark the beginning of a new chapter in both legends’ storied careers.
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