Andy Murray turned down other top male and female stars before agreeing to coach Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick has claimed

Andy Roddick has claimed that before joining Novak Djokovic's team, Andy Murray rejected coaching offers from several top players.

Andy Murray turned down other top male and female stars before agreeing to coach Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick has claimed

Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddik, Andy Murray (Images via X)

Novak Djokovic created quite a stir in the tennis world when he announced that Andy Murray against whom he has played 36 matches, will be his coach for the Australian Open. But before Djokovic, did Murray get coaching offers from any other players? Andy Roddick thinks it so.

Murray retired after getting eliminated from the doubles event at the Paris Olympics. He then made headlines for showing interest in golf and four months after his retirement, he will once again surround himself with tennis.

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But before joining Djokovic’s team, he rejected many top players when they approached him to become their coach, that’s what Roddick heard.

And by the way, I’ve also heard, it’s not my business to tell, top players, male, female. Murray has said no to many over these last four months. The other people that were asking were on the top of the pile too, right? Like they were high, high, high, high, high ranks, men and women, from what I’ve heard.

Andy Roddick said on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast

Roddick added that he thinks Murray has the highest tennis IQ and can help Djokovic in the area where the 24-time Grand Slam needs the most help, that is beating the youngsters, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The American pointed out how Murray was always figuring out how to beat the youngsters and his knowledge would not prove helpful for Djokovic.

Andy Roddick explains why coaching Novak Djokovic is better than coaching Jack Draper

Andy Roddick said coaching Novak Djokovic won’t be an overwhelming commitment for Andy Murray as the Scot will be in the Serb’s entourage for at least the Australian Open. If the partnership works, they will extend it or part ways.

Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray
Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (Image via X)

But with compatriot Jack Draper, Roddick said, Murray would be fully committed and would question himself whether he gave his all or not while coaching him. This won’t be the case with Djokovic who is one of the most experienced players on the tour right now.

It’s not Jack Draper right now. And maybe it will be someday. If Murray gets his teeth into a project like a Draper, all of a sudden, his life exists around the globe again. Because he is not the personality that will lay off if he feels like progress is being made. Novak doesn’t need a babysitter. He doesn’t need someone to teach him professionalism.

Andy Murray said on Served with Andy Roddick podcast

Djokovic hasn’t won a Grand Slam this season and will be chasing his 11th Australian Open next year. Incidentally, four of his titles in Melbourne came by beating Murray in the final.