Andy Murray Reveals What Was So ‘Disappointing’ About Coaching Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray's coaching partnership with his former rival Novak Djokovic ended after six months.

Andy Murray Reveals What Was So ‘Disappointing’ About Coaching Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic (Image via ATP/X)

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Andy Murray was disappointed about Novak Djokovic‘s campaign at the Australian Open. The Serb was forced to end his campaign because of an injury, giving the walkover to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev after losing the first set of the semifinal.

Murray joined his former rival’s team after retiring from the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Australian Open was the first tournament where Murray watched Nole from his coaching box.

The Scot expected nothing less than extreme challenge while working with one of the greatest athletes in the world. During his interview with The Tennis Podcast, Murray talked in detail about his experience of coaching Djokovic, also revealing the most “embarrassing moment” about him agreeing to a slow run for 50 minutes and ending up completely exhausted.

I mean, you’re obviously working with…he’s not just one of the best tennis players, one of the best athletes of all time. You know, so my expectation was that it was going to be extremely challenging. You know, Novak, like myself, you know, challenging character in terms of the way he goes about his tennis is extremely demanding, and you know, I fully expected that… And yeah, I look back on it, and I’m glad that I did it. It’s an amazing experience that I’ve had. I’ve learned a bit; obviously, it didn’t last that long.

Murray met the 24-time Grand Slam champion 36 times, with the latter winning it on 25 occasions. They, however, never met after the 2022 Madrid Open.

I was disappointed [that Djokovic had to withdraw]. Probably didn’t get the results I would have liked for him.

Andy Murray added

En route to his exit at the Australian Open, Djokovic knocked out none other than Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. Under Murray, apart from the Australian Open semifinal, Djokovic also played the final of the Miami Open but failed to go past the Czech Republic’s Jakub Mensik.

He also lost in the opening rounds of the Qatar Open and the Indian Wells. At first, Djokovic wanted to continue the partnership till the French Open, but following his defeats at the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open, the two split.

Andy Murray on the coaching pods during Novak Djokovic’s matches at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic‘s team utilized the new technology at the Australian Open. The ‘coaching pods’ made their debut in the Melbourne Slam, helping players communicate with their respective teams more easily.

Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Only four members of the team are allowed to sit there. The technology, which also allows real-time statistical analysis, received mixed reactions, and Murray thinks the positioning of the pods (placed at the two corners of the court) spoils the experience of watching a match.

It’s just not a good place to watch tennis from. You know, like, I don’t understand why… coaches should be sitting, in my opinion, and the team should be sitting in the best seats in the house, I feel. Because you want to be able to watch the match properly, and sometimes, like a lot of the teams, get put in positions where they can’t see properly.

Andy Murray said on The Tennis Podcast

Djokovic, apart from the Australian Open, also played the semifinals of the remaining three Majors. Jannik Sinner knocked him out in straight sets at the French Open and Wimbledon, while Carlos Alcaraz eliminated him at the US Open. The last time Djokovic won a Major was at the 2023 US Open.

After his split with Murray, Djokovic ended up winning the Geneva Open by defeating Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz. He finished the season by grabbing one more ATP 250 title by defeating Lorenzo Musetti at the Hellenic Championship. Djokovic then skipped the ATP Finals for the second consecutive time.

Also read: Daniil Medvedev Gives His Thoughts on Why Beating Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is Difficult