Novak Djokovic Appoints Andy Murray as Coach for 2025 Australian Open

Novak Djokovic Appoints Andy Murray as Coach for 2025 Australian Ope

 

Novak Djokovic has announced that Andy Murray will join his coaching team to help him prepare for and compete in the 2025 Australian Open. The appointment marks an unusual but exciting collaboration between two of tennis’ fiercest rivals.

 

Murray, a three-time Grand Slam winner, retired from professional tennis in August after competing in the men’s doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, he will return to the sport in a coaching role, guiding Djokovic through the off-season and into the first Grand Slam of 2025, which runs from January 12 to 26.

 

“I’m excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net as my coach,” said Djokovic. “Looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy, with whom I’ve shared many exceptional moments on Australian soil.”

 

Murray, who defeated Djokovic at the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon, expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals,” Murray said.

 

The partnership is particularly notable given the history between the two players. Djokovic has bested Murray in four Australian Open finals (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016) and also defeated him in the 2016 French Open final. Their rivalry was a defining feature of the tennis landscape for several years, particularly when Murray was competing fiercely with Djokovic for the world No. 1 ranking.

 

The collaboration also follows Djokovic’s split with coach Goran Ivanišević earlier in the year. Djokovic, who is aiming for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, hopes that Murray’s expertise and insights will help him return to top form after a year in which he failed to win a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017.

 

With younger stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz dominating the men’s game, Djokovic is still determined to break the record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, a record he currently shares with Margaret Court. Adding Murray to his team reflects his commitment to regaining his place at the pinnacle of tennis.