Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic are working together. © APA/afp / GLYN KIRK

Rival becomes coach: Murray new coach of Djokovic

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is surprisingly being coached by his former rival Andy Murray in preparation for the new season and the Australian Open.

25 November 2024

From: dpa

"I am very excited and look forward to being on the same side of the net as Novak for a change and helping him achieve his goals," Murray (37) was quoted as saying in a press release. The two-time Olympic champion from Great Britain ended his active tennis career after the Summer Games in Paris.

"I'm happy to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net as a coach," said Djokovic. He shares "many extraordinary moments on Australian soil" with his former opponent, to whom he inflicted four final defeats at the Australian Open, the 24-time Grand Slam tournament winner added. On Instagram, Djokovic wrote, referring to Murray: "Welcome aboard, legend." And on social media he joked: "He never liked retirement anyway."

With Murray back on the tennis throne?

Murray will join Djokovic's team to prepare for the new season and will also coach the Serb at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year in Melbourne from mid-January. Djokovic, who parted ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic at the beginning of the year and was previously coached by German tennis icon Boris Becker, wants to return to his old strength.

Fierce battles: Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray © APA/afp / KARIM JAAFAR

He was unable to win a Grand Slam title last season. However, the 37-year-old won the gold medal at the Olympics in Paris. Murray, Wimbledon champion in 2013 and 2016 and US Open winner in 2012, struggled with numerous injury problems during his career and recently played with an artificial hip. A cyst on his back prevented him from making his hoped-for final singles appearance at the grass court classic in London in the summer.