In a surprising twist that captivated the tennis world, Andy Murray, the retired three-time Grand Slam champion, took on the role of coach to his long-time rival, Novak Djokovic, in November 2024. The partnership, which began just before the 2025 Australian Open, was a bold move that united two of tennis’s fiercest competitors. However, after a six-month stint that ended in May 2025.
Murray has opened up about his experience, expressing mixed feelings about coaching and uncertainty about whether he’ll return to the role anytime soon. This article delves into Murray’s coaching journey with Djokovic, the challenges he faced, and his thoughts on a potential return to coaching, drawing from recent interviews and insights shared across various platforms.
A Unique Opportunity: From Rival to Coach
Andy Murray, who retired from professional tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympics, shocked fans when he announced he would coach Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the sport’s greatest players. The decision came unexpectedly, as Murray himself admitted in an interview with *The Times* during a theatre tour event in Glasgow: “We had a chat on the phone, and he asked me if I would consider coaching him, which I wasn’t expecting. I was really enjoying being at home, but I thought I should give it a go and see whether I enjoyed it.
The partnership was a fascinating chapter in tennis history, bringing together two players who had faced off 36 times on the court, with Djokovic holding a 25-11 edge in their head-to-head record. Murray, known for his tactical brilliance and competitive spirit, seemed like a natural fit to guide Djokovic, who was seeking to maintain his dominance in a challenging 2025 season. The duo worked together through the Australian Open, where Djokovic reached the semi-finals before withdrawing due to injury, and continued through the North American hard-court swing and the early clay season.
A Challenging Stint: Mixed Results and Lessons Learned
Despite the high expectations, the collaboration between Murray and Djokovic did not yield the results either had hoped for. Djokovic, who turned 38 in May 2025, endured a difficult season by his lofty standards, suffering early exits in tournaments like Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Indian Wells. A highlight was his runners-up finish at the Miami Open, but overall, the season was marked by inconsistency, with Djokovic losing his opening match in four of the five tournaments he entered during Murray’s tenure.
Murray, reflecting on the experience during a golf challenge event with his brother Jamie Murray and golfers Ian and Luke Poulter, admitted that coaching Djokovic was not entirely fulfilling. “I’m not sure if I did [enjoy it],” he said jokingly, prompting laughter from the audience. He elaborated, “The thing that was different, and when I was playing I didn’t appreciate as much, is how much the team does away from the practice court. We are spending most of our day talking about Novak and how he’s feeling, how he’s playing, what should he be doing tomorrow, what he should be working on, is he eating and sleeping well, and all of the communication around it.
This insight highlights the demanding nature of coaching at the elite level, where responsibilities extend far beyond on-court strategy to managing a player’s physical and mental well-being. Murray also noted the complexity of working with Djokovic’s diverse team, which included members from Serbian, Austrian, and Spanish backgrounds. “Learning to communicate well to everybody and how to deliver your message; how you speak to [Novak], trying to understand what makes him tick, what motivates him,” he told GQ.
Despite the challenges, Murray emphasized the learning opportunities the role provided. Speaking to *BBC Sport* at the unveiling of the Andy Murray Arena at Queen’s Club in June 2025, he described the experience as “a chance to learn from one of the best athletes of all time.” He acknowledged that coaching Djokovic taught him valuable lessons about working with a team, which he believes will benefit him if he returns to coaching in the future.
The Split: A Mutual Decision
In May 2025, just six weeks before Wimbledon, Murray and Djokovic announced the end of their coaching partnership. Djokovic, speaking ahead of the French Open, described the decision as mutual, stating, “We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court, and that’s all there is to it.” He expressed deep respect for Murray, praising his “brilliant tennis IQ” and “rare mind of a champion.” Murray echoed the sentiment, thanking Djokovic for the “unbelievable opportunity” and wishing him well for the rest of the season.
The split sparked debate in the tennis community. Former Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick suggested that Murray’s role may have been more advisory than that of a traditional coach, describing it as a “hiding to nothing” given Djokovic’s established career and high expectations. Boris Becker, who coached Djokovic to Wimbledon titles in 2014 and 2015, expressed surprise at the timing of the split, noting, “I’m a little bit lost for words [as to] why they’ve broken up just before the second Grand Slam.
Despite the lackluster results, both Murray and Djokovic maintained that their personal relationship remained strong. Djokovic noted that he got to know Murray better as a person during their time together, and Murray confirmed that an awkward encounter at Rafael Nadal’s farewell event at Roland Garros did not sour their bond.
Will Murray Return to Coaching?
Since parting ways with Djokovic, Murray has been candid about his uncertainty regarding a return to coaching. In an interview with *The Tennis Mentor*, he indicated that he might consider coaching again if the “right project” came along, particularly with a young British player like 22-year-old Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion. However, he told *BBC Sport* that a return to coaching is unlikely “for a while,” as he still has much to learn about the role.
Murray’s hesitation stems partly from his enjoyment of life away from the relentless travel and demands of the ATP Tour. “I was not planning on going back on the road when Novak called,” he said. “It wasn’t something that I was desperately wanting. I was not missing tennis and desperate to get back on the road, but it was a pretty unique opportunity.
Tennis legend John McEnroe, speaking during Murray’s Centre Stage tour, urged the Scot to stay involved in the sport, saying, “This sport needs you.” Murray, however, has expressed a preference for coaching over punditry, citing the potential to make a tangible impact. “That’s why I’m much more interested in the idea of coaching, because I feel like I’d actually really be helping someone,” he told *GQ*. “Whereas with punditry, it can be harmful.
Murray’s Legacy and Future in Tennis
As Murray navigates his post-playing career, his contributions to tennis remain undeniable. A two-time Wimbledon champion (2013, 2016) and the 2012 US Open winner, he retired with 46 singles titles and a legacy as one of Britain’s greatest athletes. His advocacy for equality in tennis, including his support for female players and coaches, has further cemented his status as a respected figure in the sport.
The unveiling of the Andy Murray Arena at Queen’s Club, where he won five titles, and plans for a Wimbledon statue in his honor underscore his enduring impact. While Murray has ruled out immediate plans to return to coaTennching, his openness to future opportunities suggests that his journey in tennis is far from over.
Andy Murray’s brief stint as Novak Djokovic’s coach was a bold experiment that, while not achieving the desired results, offered valuable lessons for the future. His candid reflections reveal the complexities of coaching at the highest level and his desire to contribute meaningfully to the sport. Whether he returns to coaching a young talent or explores other avenues, Murray’s passion for tennis and his champion’s mindset ensure that his presence will continue to be felt. For now, as he takes a step back to enjoy family life and reflect on his next move, the tennis world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the story of one of its greatest icons.