Andy Murray Recalls Most ‘Embarrassing’ and Painful Moment While Coaching Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray trailed 11-25 in the head-to-head matchups against his fellow former World No.1, Novak Djokovic.

Andy Murray Recalls Most ‘Embarrassing’ and Painful Moment While Coaching Novak Djokovic

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

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Andy Murray was embarrassed because he couldn’t run while he was coaching Novak Djokovic. The Brit joined Djokovic’s team after the latter’s split with Goran Ivanisevic in March last year.

Murray called time on his illustrious career at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and about four months later, Djokovic dropped the coaching news that sent shocking waves across the tennis community. The three-time Grand Slam champion sat for an interview with The Tennis Podcast during which he recalled his first practice session with his former longtime rival.

While Djokovic was warming up, Murray was practicing his feeding, and was laughed at by the other members of his protege’s team, but they also found it amusing. Murray did that because, as a player, he hated it when his coaches fed the balls poorly.

Then came the “embarrassing” moment. Following the practice session, the physical trainer asked Murray if he would like to join Djokovic, who went for a slow run in the park. Murray’s reaction was, “Oh my God!” It was all because he had not run since he was 25, but because it was his first day on the job, he couldn’t say no.

And I was like, ‘Oh no’, but I can’t say anything because this is embarrassing…after just 4 or 5 minutes. So anyway, I finished, I completed the 50 minutes, but I was in so much pain. I said to his team, ‘Guys, you need to help me out here, I’ve been running for 45 minutes, and my left calf cramped while I was there.’ And I just felt like I couldn’t stop, I didn’t want to show to him, like, ‘Oh, my god, this is someone I’ve been competing against for such a long time, and after 5 minutes, he’s struggling training with me.’ So I did tough it out, but it was a pretty embarrassing, embarrassing moment for me.

Murray did not know why exactly he struggled- whether it was because he was dehydrated or he was dealing with nerves. The coaching partnership did not last for more than six months, and Djokovic was struggling to win titles, reaching the semifinal of the Australian Open (retired mid-match due to an injury) and the final of the Miami Open (lost to Jakub Mensik).

Juan Martin del Potro recalls emotional retirement after his match against Novak Djokovic

The career-threatening knee injury ultimately ended Juan Martin del Potro‘s career. The Argentine has often talked about the excruciating pain he suffered because of his knee injury, playing the last tour-level match of his career at the 2022 Argentina Open.

Juan Martin Del Potro and Novak Djokovic
Juan Martin Del Potro and Novak Djokovic (via X/The Tennis Letter)

About two years later, del Potro formally hung up his racket at The Last Challenge, an exhibition match he played against Novak Djokovic in Buenos Aires. The 37-year-old recalled that emotional moment, posting a clip of his retirement on Instagram.

A year ago, a day I’ll never forget. Thank you to each and every one of you who was there for such a special time. Your support accompanied me every step of the way and continues to accompany me to this day. I watch this video, and I get emotional. Thank you all for the love in the stands, at home, in every message and thank you @djokernole for being present and being part of this journey. I love you so much. I carry them with me always.

Juan Martin del Potro wrote on Instagram

Check out his post here:

Djokovic met del Potro 20 times in official events, winning 16 of those matches. They played each other the last time in 2019. Del Potro was the reason behind Djokovic’s disappointment in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

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