Novak Djokovic Reveals Andy Murray’s Joke About His Return to Form Under “A Proper Coach”

Novak Djokovic brimming with confidence at the French Open after his triumph at the Geneva Open last week.

Novak Djokovic Reveals Andy Murray’s Joke About His Return to Form Under “A Proper Coach”

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

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were reunited for the first time since the pair announced that their coaching partnership had ended. The 24-time Grand Slam winner and the British tennis legend appeared alongside Roger Federer at Rafael Nadal’s tribute ceremony at the Roland Garros on Sunday (May 25). Djokovic revealed what Murray told him during their time together in Paris.

Murray was Djokovic’s coach for over six months on tour. The pair first announced their partnership last November, and the Serbian enjoyed a few favorable results under the guidance of the former World No.1. Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Australian despite struggling with an injury and finished as runners-up at the Miami Open.

That said, several bad results came during their partnership, including four opening match losses in tournaments. Also, he suffered a second-round defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi, respectively. On May 13, Djokovic and Murray announced they were parting ways.

However, Djokovic turned to Dusan Vemic and Boris Bosnjakovic as his temporary coach at the Geneva Open, where he secured his 100th tour-level singles title by beating Hubert Hurkacz in a tough three-set battle in the final. He became the third man to achieve the career milestone just after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

Against that background, Djokovic was asked during his press conference what he discussed with Murray when they met at the Roland Garros. The 38-year-old revealed that they spoke about golf and family. He added that the British star joked about his triumph at the Geneva Open last week:

We joked around a bit about his dress code yesterday. I never saw him dress up so well. We joked around and talked about golf and family. I also had time to speak to him and Roger in the room.. reflecting on some of the nice memories we had in rivalries and playing Nadal here at Roland Garros, etc…that was quite special being in the room with them in quite some time. He congratulated me and said ‘Now that you have a proper coach, it’s great, you’re winning tournaments.

Fresh off from the Geneva Open, Djokovic has an opportunity to create history. The Serbian just needs one more Grand Slam to make it the 25th of his career, as he’s currently tied with Margaret Court for the most major titles ever won.

Novak Djokovic says it was a honor and privilege to be coached by Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were close friends right from the under-12 in the juniors until they became professional players. They were rivals on the court but still preserved and cherished their friendship. Djokovic revealed during the aforementioned press conference that it was a privilege and honor to be coached by Murray.

For him to join my team and for us to give a shot to this player/coach relationship was really an incredible thing for tennis and for both of us. I was very privileged and honored. I was enjoying myself very much even though we hadn’t had maybe the success we both wanted or people expected us to have. But I still think that I have learned things on the court with him, I have enjoyed my conversations with him about tennis, because I still think that he’s one of the most brilliant tennis IQ guys out there.

Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Tie Break Ten)

Djokovic, brimming with confidence at the French Open, will take on Mackenzie McDonald in the first round. The former World No.1 will be looking to kick start his campaign at the Roland Garros with a comfortable victory, while he hopes to continue his Geneva Open form. If he does beat the American he will face Corentin Moutet or a qualifier in the second round.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz Moved by the Emotional Roland Garros Tribute to ‘Idol’ Rafael Nadal