Djokovic hires Andy Murray as coach ahead of 2025 season
Novak Djokovic has announced the addition of Andy Murray, his long-time rival and fellow “game-changer,” to his coaching team. The partnership will debut at the 2025 Australian Open, where Djokovic has historically enjoyed unparalleled success, winning the title a record 10 times.
Speaking about the move, Djokovic expressed his excitement:
“I’m thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net with me, this time as my coach. I look forward to starting the season with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne, where we’ve shared many exceptional moments throughout our careers.”
Murray, who retired from professional tennis in August after a decorated career that included three Grand Slam titles, echoed the sentiment:
“I am very excited about this and look forward to being on the same side of the net for a change. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his goals for the upcoming year.”
Djokovic and Murray have faced off 36 times, with the Serbian legend winning 25 of those encounters. Their rivalry includes 19 finals, seven of which were at Grand Slams.
Despite their intense battles, the pair share mutual respect, with Murray famously defeating Djokovic in two landmark moments: his first Grand Slam victory at the 2012 US Open and his historic Wimbledon win in 2013, ending a 77-year drought for British men at the All England Club.
Reflecting on their shared history, Djokovic said:
“We played each other since we were boys — 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. They called us game-changers, risk-takers, history makers. I thought our story may be over. Turns out, it has one final chapter.”
The 37-year-old Serbian star endured a challenging 2024 season, failing to win a Grand Slam and slipping to seventh in the ATP rankings. However, he clinched the Olympic singles title in Paris, describing it as his “greatest achievement.”
Djokovic now sets his sights on the Australian Open, where a win would see him surpass Margaret Court’s record for the most major singles titles in history.
Djokovic’s partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, which delivered 12 Grand Slam victories, ended in March. Ivanisevic had previously described Djokovic as “intense” and “complicated” to coach but credited him for his relentless pursuit of excellence.
As Djokovic embarks on this new chapter with Murray, tennis fans eagerly await how this iconic rivalry-turned-partnership will redefine the sport.
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