Novak Djokovic appointed his former rival, Andy Murray, as his new coach, shocking the tennis world.
There are certain news that seem like an April's Fools joke, but since it's November, it was clear that this was not the case. Out of nowhere, Djokovic announced that Murray would join him as a coach during this off-season and then during the 2025 Australian Open.
It is a collaboration that probably no one expected to happen, considering that Murray retired from the sport only a few months ago, and that Djokovic spent almost the whole 2024 season without a coach.
Still, the two somehow linked up, meaning that the 24-time Grand Slam champion will be coached by the three-time Grand Slam champion in 2025.
They will form one of the most successful player-coach duos in the history of the sport, but it remains to be seen how long it will last. At the end of the day, this will be the first coaching appointment for Murray, and so shortly after his career, he also probably doesn't know how much he will enjoy it.
Julien Benneteau, who is a former World No. 25 on the ATP Tour and is currently France's Billie Jean King Cup Team Captain, spoke about this surprising link-up for RMC Sports, explaining that the fact that Murray was a good player doesn't mean he will also be a good coach.
"It’s not because you were a great player that you are a good coach and that guarantees success as a coach."
Benneteau also explained Murray's involvement in the Serbian's corner. The British player will serve as a coach, meaning he won't make any adjustments to Djokovic's technique, likely coming as a moral support and to discuss tactics.
"Andy Murray will have the role of coach, not trainer, he will not teach him how to hit a forehand or a backhand."
Although Murray's specific role in the team remains unknown, according to Benneteau, his appointment is a signal from Djokovic to his rivals, mainly Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
The 37-year-old has been on record for wanting to win his 25th Grand Slam title, which would surpass all the records ever set. To do that, Murray might be the last missing piece in the puzzle for him.
"I think Djokovic has a real motivation to be at 25 Grand Slams won, to be the only one to have done it and he will do everything for it. And the fact that Murray joins him in his team, it is a signal that he sends to the others and also to himself in order to have another voice, another vision on the game of Alcaraz and Sinner to be able to beat them in five sets."
Of course, Benneteau mentioned also Alexander Zverev, who finished the 2024 season as the World No. 2 player. According to the Frenchman, Murray might help Djokovic to tactically overcome these youngsters.
"We must not forget [Alexander] Zverev who finished the year with a bang. And I think that it is in this perspective that he calls on Andy Murray."
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