Novak Djokovic Appoints Andy Murray As His New Coach

Saturday, 23 November 2024 at 17:25

byErik Virostko

Novak Djokovic will work with Andy Murray as his new coach during the off-season and at the start of the 2025 season.

For the vast majority of the 2024 season, Djokovic worked without a coach after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic in March. He said multiple times that he wasn't in a rush to appoint a new coach, and he completed the 2024 season without appointing one.

As the season came to an end, there was a question mark about the future of Djokovic's coaching box. It wasn't clear if he plans to appoint a new coach or not, as he seemed to be comfortable without one.

In recent weeks, the discussions started to be louder, as Djokovic's friend and Serbia's Davis Cup Team Captain, Viktor Troicki, shared a rumor suggesting that a "big name" coach could join the 24-time Grand Slam champion's team.

It now seems that the rumor was correct, as Djokovic shockingly announced the appointment of Andy Murray as his new coach. The 37-year-old Serbian did so by sharing a video on social media, announcing the collaboration.

The two played against each other 36 times, with Djokovic leading the H2H 25-11. They first met at the 2006 Madrid Open, but they have known each other since their teenage years.

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Now, after "25 years of being rivals," as Djokovic put it, they will join forces. Murray will join Djokovic's team during the off-season, and the two will work together during the 2025 Australian Open, with both then deciding how to proceed further.

"We played each other since we were boys. 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game-changers, risk-takers, history-makers."

"I thought our story may be over, turns out, it has one final chapter. It's time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board coach, Andy Murray."

Djokovic also shared an official announcement of the appointment of the new coach, confirming that the two will first appear as a team in Australia.

"I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil."

Murray, who only recently retired from the sport, was also excited about this new endeavor. Only months after ending his professional tennis career, he will return to the circuit once again, this time as a coach.

"I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I'm really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals."