By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, June 19, 2025
Photograph credit score: David Grey/AFP/Getty
Teaching Novak Djokovic was a once-in-a-lifetime alternative, says Andy Murray.
On reflection, Murray is not certain it was fulfilling.
Reflecting on his transient tenure because the Grand Slam king’s coach, Murray stated he is undecided it was enjoyable.
“We had a chat on the telephone and he requested me if I’d contemplate teaching him, which I wasn’t anticipating,” Murray stated in feedback printed by The Instances from his Centre Stage interview. “I believe it was a fairly distinctive alternative. I used to be actually having fun with being at dwelling, however I believed I ought to give it a go and see whether or not I loved it.
“I’m undecided if I did.”
The pair introduced their cut up final month, ending a partnership that lasted lower than six months.
“Thanks, coach Andy, for all of the laborious work, enjoyable & help over final six months on & off the court docket,” Djokovic stated. “I actually loved deepening our friendship collectively.”
Thanks, coach Andy, for all of the laborious work, enjoyable & help over final six months on & off the court docket. I actually loved deepening our friendship collectively 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iXqkdIN2Gb
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) Might 13, 2025
Working with two-time Olympic gold-medal champion Murray, reigning gold-medal champion Djokovic posted a 12-7 document, reached the Australian Open semifinals the place he retired with a torn leg muscle towards Alexander Zverev, however fell quick in his quest for a title.
Murray, who was born every week other than Djokovic, stated from the beginning he wished the 37-year-old Serbian celebrity to specific himself overtly on court docket—and he anticipated to really feel stress within the teaching field. The person nicknamed Muzzah would not need to muzzle Djokovic’s emotional depth.
“Clearly I count on when the matches begin it is worrying,” Murray stated days earlier than the beginning of Melbourne. “If you’re making an attempt to realize nice issues it’s not simple.
“However the rewards on the finish of it may be nice and that’s one thing I’m wanting ahead (to).”
Working with Murray, Djokovic reached the Miami Open last the place he had a shot for his one hundredth profession championship however misplaced to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik. General, Djokovic posted a 25-11 document towards his rival and ex-coach Murray.
Corridor of Famer John McEnroe instructed the media final month when he first heard the present and former Olympic gold-medal champions have been working collectively, he thought it was a joke.
“When it first occurred, I laughed,” John McEnroe instructed the media on TNT’s Zoom name to advertise the community’s Roland Garros protection. “It was such as you’ve gotta be kidding me.
“It’s like Lendl teaching me. It’s like come on or Connors [coaching me]—they’re rivals—but it surely was enjoyable.”
Requested about competing within the shadow of Large 3 rivals Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic, Murray stated “I’d by no means declare to be on the identical stage as them.”
“It’s not essential. It’s not one thing I lose any sleep over at evening,” Murray stated. “I’m absolutely conscious that these guys achieved is much better than something I’ve executed.
“I’d by no means declare to be on the identical stage as them.”
#Loved
