Andy Murray to Coach Novak Djokovic at 2025 Australian Open
In a surprising turn of events, Andy Murray will coach his long-time rival Novak Djokovic during the 2025 Australian Open, marking Murray’s first coaching role since retiring from professional tennis in August 2024. The two tennis legends, who have shared a competitive yet respectful relationship for over two decades, will work together in the off-season and leading up to the tournament.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, expressed excitement about joining Djokovic’s team, saying he is “looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net for a change.” Djokovic, equally enthusiastic, described their partnership as the final chapter in their remarkable rivalry.
The pair have a long and storied history, having been born just weeks apart and growing up as junior rivals. Djokovic leads their head-to-head record 25-11, but Murray claimed significant victories, including winning the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013. Djokovic, however, defeated Murray in four Australian Open finals in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016.
The collaboration comes at an interesting time for both players. Djokovic is currently tied with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles and hopes to break the record at the Australian Open, a tournament he has won a record 10 times. However, 2024 was challenging for the Serbian star, marking the first year since 2017 that he did not win a Grand Slam title. He was defeated in the Australian Open semi-finals by Jannik Sinner and lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.
Despite the setbacks, Djokovic did achieve a significant milestone by winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris, which he described as his “greatest achievement.” He also recently made changes to his coaching team, parting ways with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic.
Murray’s own career was impacted by a hip injury that ultimately influenced his later years as a professional player. He announced his retirement during the Paris Olympics, where he reached the quarter-finals in men’s doubles with Dan Evans.
The upcoming collaboration between Murray and Djokovic is particularly noteworthy given their competitive history. Murray replaced Djokovic as world number one at the end of 2016, going on a 24-match winning streak. Now, they will work together with the goal of helping Djokovic potentially secure his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
“We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits,” Djokovic said. “I thought our story may be over – turns out it has one final chapter.”
The Australian Open, scheduled for 12-26 January 2025, promises to be an exciting tournament with this unexpected coaching partnership.
