“A Unique Opportunity, But Not My Favorite”: Andy Murray’s Candid Reflection on Coaching Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion and British tennis legend, has never shied away from speaking his truth. After retiring from professional tennis following the 2024 Paris Olympics, Murray shocked the tennis world by taking on a new role: coaching his long-time rival, Novak Djokovic. The partnership, announced in November 2024, promised a fascinating chapter for two of the sport’s greatest competitors, who had clashed in 36 epic matches, including seven Grand Slam finals. But after six months, the collaboration ended abruptly in May 2025, leaving fans eager for insights into Murray’s experience.
In a heartfelt interview at Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo, shared via *The Times* on June 21, 2025, Murray opened up about whether he regrets coaching Djokovic and if he truly enjoyed it. His honest reflections, tinged with humor and vulnerability, offer a rare glimpse into the challenges of transitioning from player to coach. Here’s the full story of Murray’s coaching stint, his mixed feelings, and what it means for his future.
An Unexpected Call
It’s a quiet autumn day in 2024, and Andy Murray is enjoying a rare moment of calm on a golf course near his home in Surrey, England. Retirement has been kind to the 38-year-old, who’s been savoring time with his wife, Kim Sears, and their four children after a grueling 20-year career. His phone buzzes with a missed call from an unexpected number: Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of his fiercest rivals.
“We had a chat on the phone, and he asked me if I would consider coaching him, which I wasn’t expecting,” Murray recalls, his Scottish accent thick with amusement as he speaks to a packed audience at Glasgow’s SEC Armadillo. “I was really enjoying being at home, but I thought I should give it a go and see whether I enjoyed it.”
The offer was a bombshell. Murray, who had no coaching experience, was being asked to guide Djokovic, a player he’d faced in iconic battles like the 2012 US Open final (Murray’s first Grand Slam win) and the 2016 ATP Finals. The pair, born just a week apart in May 1987, had a 25-11 head-to-head record favoring Djokovic, with 19 finals, including seven at majors.
“It was a pretty unique opportunity,” Murray admits. “If I said no, I wouldn’t have got a chance in a couple of years. He might be finished.”
Fans were electrified by the news. The anticipation was palpable as the duo prepared for the 2025 Australian Open, their first major test together.
A Promising Start in Melbourne
The partnership kicked off with promise. In January 2025, Murray joined Djokovic’s coaching box in Melbourne, a surreal shift from their days trading baseline bombs on court. Djokovic, then 37, was coming off a title-less 2024 season, his first without a trophy since 2017, and was hungry to reclaim his dominance.
Murray’s role was to leverage his deep understanding of Djokovic’s game—honed through years of rivalry—to unlock new strategies. “I’ve studied his game a lot, competed against him in the biggest matches,” Murray said. “I know what it’s like to play against him, what makes him tough.”
The Australian Open showed early success. Djokovic delivered a thrilling four-set victory over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, a match Murray called “one of Novak’s best in years.” The Serb’s forehand was crisp, his movement fluid, and Murray’s tactical input—emphasizing aggressive baseline play—was evident.
But the joy was short-lived. In the semifinals against Alexander Zverev, Djokovic retired after losing the first set due to a leg injury, a setback that halted their momentum.
A Challenging Road
The Australian Open marked the high point of their partnership. As the 2025 season progressed, Djokovic’s form faltered. He lost in the first round at Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Madrid, and fell in the Miami Open final to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik.
“It’s a different chapter of my life,” Djokovic admitted in Madrid, sounding weary. “I’m not used to losing consecutive matches like this.”
Murray, traveling with Djokovic’s team across the U.S. and Europe, found himself immersed in a role far more demanding than he’d anticipated. “When you’re a player, you don’t realize how much the team does away from the court,” he said.
By May 2025, the partnership was unraveling. A viral video from a Madrid practice session captured Djokovic cursing in Serbian as Murray handed him balls, a sign of the Serb’s frustration. The duo announced their split on May 13, just 12 days before the French Open.
Did Murray Regret It?
So, did Murray regret saying yes to Djokovic? “I’m glad I did it,” he told the Glasgow crowd, pausing before adding with a wry smile, “but I didn’t love it.”
Murray’s regret, if any, stems from the timing. After two decades on tour, he’d been relishing retirement—playing golf, attending his kids’ events, and exploring new ventures.
Yet, he has no hard feelings. “I don’t regret it because it was a chance to deepen our friendship,” he said.
Did He Enjoy It?
Murray’s feelings about coaching are mixed. “Initially, I did enjoy it,” he said. “I think I will enjoy it more in the future.”
But the off-court demands were a grind. “I didn’t appreciate how much goes into it,” he admitted.
Looking Ahead
Murray hasn’t closed the door on coaching. “I’m not sure I’d jump back into it straight away,” he said, but he’s open to future opportunities.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is moving forward with a new team, winning Geneva in May 2025 and eyeing a record 25th Grand Slam at Wimbledon.
Why This Matters
Murray’s candid reflection on coaching Djokovic reveals the complexities of transitioning from player to coach, especially for a rival-turned-mentor. His honesty about not fully enjoying the role, yet valuing the experience, resonates with fans who admire his authenticity.
