In a move that has shocked the tennis world, 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic announced Saturday that he has hired his longtime rival Andy Murray to be his new coach for the 2025 season. The stunning decision pairs two of the sport’s most iconic figures, who have faced off in countless epic battles over their illustrious careers, in an unprecedented player-coach partnership.
Djokovic, 37, is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign in which he failed to win a single major title for the first time since 2017, despite capturing a long-awaited Olympic gold medal in Paris. The Serb parted ways with his previous coach Goran Ivanisevic in March after a fruitful six-year partnership that yielded a dozen Grand Slam trophies.
A Rivalry Reborn
Enter Andy Murray, Djokovic’s perennial foil and the man he’s faced more than any other opponent. Born just a week apart in 1987, the two have been competing against each other since they were promising 11-year-old juniors. Over the years, they’ve contested some of the most memorable matches in tennis history.
“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” Djokovic said in a statement. “Andy and I have shared so many exceptional moments on court, especially in Australia. I’m looking forward to creating more alongside him in this new chapter.”
“We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. I thought our story may be over, but it turns out it has one final chapter,” Djokovic explained in an accompanying video announcement. “It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”
Murray’s Coaching Debut
For Murray, this will mark his first foray into high-level coaching since retiring from the ATP Tour after the 2024 Olympics. The Scot walked away with 3 major titles and 2 Olympic gold medals to his name, forever etched in the annals of British sporting lore. He had recently announced plans for a motivational speaking tour in 2025.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity and looking forward to working with Novak to help him achieve his goals,” Murray said. “Never thought I’d see us on the same side of the net, but here we are!”
Chasing History Down Under
The Djokovic-Murray partnership will launch in earnest at the Australian Open in January, where the Serb is a record nine-time champion and the most successful player in tournament history. A title would give Djokovic a men’s record 22 major titles, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s mark. It would also break his tie with Margaret Court for the most Australian Open crowns.
According to a source close to the Djokovic camp, the decision to hire Murray was driven by a desire to tap into his unparalleled tennis IQ and legendary work ethic. “Andy knows Novak’s game inside out and what it takes to beat him,” the source said. “He can provide insights no one else can.”
“He never liked retirement anyway,” Djokovic joked in his video, alluding to Murray’s quip after his final match that he “never even liked tennis anyway.” With his career at a crossroads, the Serb is betting that a dose of Murray’s grit and tactical acumen can spark a resurgence.
The tennis world will be watching with bated breath to see if these two former adversaries can meld their brilliant minds and conjure the old magic. One thing is certain: with Djokovic and Murray joining forces, the 2025 season just got a whole lot more intriguing.
“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” Djokovic said in a statement. “Andy and I have shared so many exceptional moments on court, especially in Australia. I’m looking forward to creating more alongside him in this new chapter.”
“We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. I thought our story may be over, but it turns out it has one final chapter,” Djokovic explained in an accompanying video announcement. “It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”
Murray’s Coaching Debut
For Murray, this will mark his first foray into high-level coaching since retiring from the ATP Tour after the 2024 Olympics. The Scot walked away with 3 major titles and 2 Olympic gold medals to his name, forever etched in the annals of British sporting lore. He had recently announced plans for a motivational speaking tour in 2025.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity and looking forward to working with Novak to help him achieve his goals,” Murray said. “Never thought I’d see us on the same side of the net, but here we are!”
Chasing History Down Under
The Djokovic-Murray partnership will launch in earnest at the Australian Open in January, where the Serb is a record nine-time champion and the most successful player in tournament history. A title would give Djokovic a men’s record 22 major titles, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s mark. It would also break his tie with Margaret Court for the most Australian Open crowns.
According to a source close to the Djokovic camp, the decision to hire Murray was driven by a desire to tap into his unparalleled tennis IQ and legendary work ethic. “Andy knows Novak’s game inside out and what it takes to beat him,” the source said. “He can provide insights no one else can.”
“He never liked retirement anyway,” Djokovic joked in his video, alluding to Murray’s quip after his final match that he “never even liked tennis anyway.” With his career at a crossroads, the Serb is betting that a dose of Murray’s grit and tactical acumen can spark a resurgence.
The tennis world will be watching with bated breath to see if these two former adversaries can meld their brilliant minds and conjure the old magic. One thing is certain: with Djokovic and Murray joining forces, the 2025 season just got a whole lot more intriguing.
