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 positive it was satisfying.
Reflecting on his temporary tenure because the Grand Slam king’s coach, Murray mentioned he is unsure it was enjoyable.
“We had a chat on the cellphone and he requested me if I might contemplate teaching him, which I wasn’t anticipating,” Murray mentioned in feedback printed by The Occasions from his Centre Stage interview. “I believe it was a fairly distinctive alternative. I used to be actually having fun with being at house, however I assumed I ought to give it a go and see whether or not I loved it.
“I’m unsure if I did.”
The pair introduced their break up final month, ending a partnership that lasted lower than six months.
“Thanks, coach Andy, for all of the onerous work, enjoyable & assist over final six months on & off the court docket,” Djokovic mentioned. “I actually loved deepening our friendship collectively.”
Thanks, coach Andy, for all of the onerous work, enjoyable & assist 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 file, reached the Australian Open semifinals the place he retired with a torn leg muscle towards Alexander Zverev, however fell brief in his quest for a title.
Murray, who was born per week aside from Djokovic, mentioned from the beginning he wished the 37-year-old Serbian celebrity to specific himself brazenly on court docket—and he anticipated to really feel stress within the teaching field. The person nicknamed Muzzah does not wish to muzzle Djokovic’s emotional depth.
“Clearly I anticipate when the matches begin it is irritating,” Murray mentioned 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 trying ahead (to).”
Working with Murray, Djokovic reached the Miami Open closing the place he had a shot for his one centesimal profession championship however misplaced to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik. Total, Djokovic posted a 25-11 file 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 Huge 3 rivals Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic, Murray mentioned “I might by no means declare to be on the identical degree as them.”
“It’s not necessary. It’s not one thing I lose any sleep over at evening,” Murray mentioned. “I’m absolutely conscious that these guys achieved is way higher than something I’ve executed.
“I might by no means declare to be on the identical degree as them.”
