Djokovic Reveals Murray 'Took Some Time' Before Deciding About Future Of Their Collaboration
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Novak Djokovic will continue working with Andy Murray also during the Sunshine Double, but their collaboration wasn't a certainty.
Djokovic and Murray started working together in November 2024. That's when they announced their partnership, and they have since completed the Australian Open together.
It was a relative success, but also, for someone who has won 24 Grand Slam trophies, not winning a title is always a disappointment. Already when announcing their collaboration, they said they would assess it after the Australian Open, and that's what they did.
The two former rivals will work together also during the Sunshine Double, starting at the 2025 Indian Wells Open. However, as Djokovic revealed, the continuation of their collaboration wasn't a certainty.
The 37-year-old Serbian didn't have any doubts. He told Murray immediately after the Australian Open that he wanted to continue their partnership.
"I mean, for me personally I want to keep going, like the same day we finished the tournament, so I told him that."
Murray, on the other hand, had to decide. Of course, not because he wouldn't want to coach the Serbian legend, but because it was a new situation for him as well.
As Djokovic disclosed during his pre-tournament press conference, the British player talked to his family about it, and he has decided to continue working with the 24-time major winner.
"But for him, it took some time to go back and reflect on the partnership, speak to his people, his family, and see how committed he wants to be and where he can travel with me and, you know, work in terms of the schedule."
Once Murray made the decision, Djokovic was happy to hear the outcome. He also revealed that they have agreed to work together for the Sunshine Double and also the clay-court part of the season.
"So I was very glad when he decided to keep going, Indian Wells, Miami, and yeah, most of the clay court season. We're going to speak after Miami, obviously, but I think the plan is to go all the way till the end of Roland Garros, I think, and hopefully Wimbledon, as well."
Djokovic also said that he would love to have Murray in his corner at Wimbledon as well. Although it's the Serbian who has the second-most Wimbledon trophies among men, Murray is one of the best grass-court players in history, and Djokovic would certainly appreciate his feedback.
Overall, the current ATP World No. 7 player enjoys working with his former rival. Although it's something new for both, they are enjoying the journey.
"I'm enjoying the relationship with Andy. I still feel like we are going through the process of getting to know each other on the court in a different way than we have known each other for 25 years. So it's obviously a new role for him."
"He's also exploring it and trying to understand how he can excel in it. I'm trying to communicate as much as I can on the court, off the court, for us to be able to connect better."
"I think we had a great tournament, great run in Australia. I like the way I played, to be honest. It was unfortunate to finish the tournament the way I did it, but it was an injury issue."
