The tennis landscape was sent into a whirlwind when Andy Murray, just four months post his Olympic retirement, revealed he’d be coaching his old rival, Novak Djokovic. This dynamic duo, known for battling it out for the sport’s most prestigious titles, is back in action, making their collaboration all the more intriguing.
Murray was seen in Melbourne, acting as a steady hand in Djokovic’s corner, leading him to the Australian Open semi-final. Unfortunately, Djokovic’s journey was cut short due to an injury, but he confirmed his commitment to continue his coaching relationship with Murray.
The retired British tennis icon has been with Djokovic stateside, preparing for the ‘sunshine double’ of tournaments. Djokovic, the world’s number seven, expressed his intent to sustain this partnership with Murray throughout the summer.
Murray’s coaching plans extend beyond Miami, possibly till the end of Roland Garros, and ideally, Wimbledon as well, according to Djokovic. However, there’s a growing sentiment amongst fans for Murray to shift his coaching focus to nurturing homegrown talent rather than aligning with a multi-Grand Slam winner.
A recent survey showed that nearly half of Express Sport readers expressed their desire to see Murray mentor Jack Draper, the top British player and current world number 14. Draper had a breakout season last year, clinching two ATP titles, reaching the US Open semi-final, and breaking into the world’s top 15. There’s a keen interest to see Murray guide Draper further up the ranks.
Emma Raducanu, a former US Open champion currently without a full-time coach, is another fan-favorite for a prospective coaching partnership with Murray. Raducanu, who parted ways with her coach, Nick Cavaday, earlier this year, is world number 55 and currently testing waters with interim coach Vlado Platenik. However, 31% of readers expressed their preference for a Raducanu-Murray coaching alliance.
For the time being, Murray remains committed to Djokovic, using this opportunity to develop his coaching acumen. Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is more than willing to assist his former adversary in mastering this new role. Djokovic commented on Murray’s transition, stating that he’s exploring this new role, aiming to excel and consistently communicating both on and off the court to establish a better connection.
Djokovic, with Murray in his corner, is set to commence his Indian Wells campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp. The tennis world watches with bated breath as this unique partnership unfolds.