Novak Djokovic reveals “perfect” reason behind hiring Andy Murray as his coach

Novak Djokovic recently surprised the world after he announced the hiring of Andy Murray as his coach.

Novak Djokovic reveals “perfect” reason behind hiring Andy Murray as his coach

Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (Image via X)

A few days ago, Novak Djokovic announced a surprise partnership with his former on-court rival Andy Murray. The former World No.1 is set to coach Djokovic ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. The Serbian has finally revealed the reason for choosing the British legend after being without a coach for the majority of the 2024 season.

Djokovic and Murray share a deep history, having been born just a week apart, and maintaining a strong friendship despite being rivals. They competed against each other at the junior level, but their rivalry gained prominence only during their senior level. Djokovic leads 25-11 in their head-to-head record.

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Earlier this week, Qatar Airways announced Djokovic as its latest Global Brand Ambassador. Shortly after the announcement, he was spotted attending official events ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix. A reporter there, asked him a few questions about the reasons he hired Murray to be his coach.

Djokovic candidly explained that the British legend was the perfect fit for him after being without a coach for a long time. He pointed out that since his split with Goran Ivanisevic in March 2024, he had taken six months to make his decision.

I took about six months to really think about if I need a coach and, if yes, who that’s going to be and the profile of the coach. We were going through different names, and I realized that the perfect coach for me at this point would be somebody who has been through the same experiences I’m going through, a multiple Grand Slam winner, a former World No 1. And I was thinking about different people and then Andy Murray appeared on the table with me and my team.

Novak Djokovic said via Sky Sports

Djokovic will open his 2025 campaign at the Australian Open, which starts on January 12. The Serbian has won the Melbourne Grand Slam a record 10 times and will be looking to add to the tally as well as winning his 25th Slam.

Novak Djokovic can’t wait to train with Andy Murray ahead of the 2025 Australian Open

Andy Murray has been one of the most successful players in modern history. The 37-year-old made history in 2013 after becoming the first British man to win the Wimbledon Championship in 77 years. He played his last professional match at the Paris Olympics, where he reached the quarterfinals alongside Dan Evans in the doubles.

Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (3)
Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray (Image via X)

He retired, having won 46 career titles, including 3 Grand Slam and 14 Masters 1000 titles. During the aforementioned interview, Novak Djokovic revealed that he is excited about his partnership with Murray and looking forward to their training sessions.

I can’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, and to everyone. But it is exciting for tennis. He has been one of my greatest rivals. I can’t wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.

Novak Djokovic said

Despite Murray enjoying a successful career it was plagued by injuries. The former World No.1 never recovered from the hip injury he sustained in 2017, as it kept resurfacing until the end of his career.