In a surprising twist that no tennis fan saw coming, Andy Murray has teamed up with Novak Djokovic as his new coach, jokingly claiming his mission is to “sabotage” Djokovic’s chances of winning another Australian Open. The appointment has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, given the pair’s storied rivalry that included seven Grand Slam finals and numerous marquee matchups.
“Sabotaging” Djokovic: Murray’s Hilarious Take
During an on-court interview at Rod Laver Arena after an exhibition match against Alexander Zverev, Murray quipped about the irony of now coaching the man who denied him four Australian Open titles.
“I played here a few times. Yeah… could never get over the line, unfortunately. This man (points to Djokovic) was single-handedly responsible for that. So, I’m now here to sabotage his chances of winning another one.”
The lighthearted comment drew laughter from the crowd and added a layer of intrigue to their new partnership.
A Rivalry Turned Alliance
The decision for Djokovic to bring Murray into his team was unexpected but logical, given Murray’s experience competing at the highest level. While Djokovic was confident in Murray’s ability to offer insights into the pressures of elite tennis, the three-time Grand Slam winner admitted that coaching wasn’t initially on his radar.
Murray recalled:
“I was playing golf when Novak and I exchanged missed calls and messages. The guy I was with asked if I’d consider coaching, and I said, ‘Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse.’ Thirty minutes later, I was on the phone with Novak discussing the idea.”
A Trial Run in Melbourne
Before committing to a long-term partnership, Murray and Djokovic decided to assess their working dynamic during the off-season. Murray officially joined Djokovic in Melbourne, where they worked together during practice matches, including a tight set against Carlos Alcaraz, which Djokovic won 7-5.
Observers noted the collaborative nature of their sessions, with Murray offering advice on Djokovic’s forehand swing and split-step timing, while also trying to understand the Serbian’s mindset in clutch moments.
Why the Partnership Makes Sense
Murray, despite his lack of prior coaching experience, brings a unique perspective as a former rival who has faced Djokovic under intense pressure. Djokovic explained that Murray’s understanding of the mental and tactical demands of Grand Slam tennis made him a perfect fit.
“Andy’s been through it all—finals, tough losses, epic wins. He knows what it’s like to perform under the spotlight, and that’s something I value in my team,” Djokovic said.
What’s Next?
The partnership will be evaluated after the Australian Open, with both parties deciding whether to continue their collaboration.
Murray concluded:
“It’s a pretty unique opportunity to work with someone like Novak. We agreed to trial it, and we’ll reassess after the tournament. For now, I’m focused on helping him prepare and seeing where this journey takes us.”
As Djokovic aims for an 11th Australian Open crown, the world will be watching to see how this fascinating coach-player duo unfolds.
