Andy Murray: The coaching role of Novak Djokovic was unexpected, says the three-time winner of the Grand Slam tournament | Tennis news
Andy Murray has admitted he was completely against the idea of immediately committing to coaching before Novak Djokovic coaxed him back on tour.
The Scot’s partnership with his former rival is the talk of Melbourne Park and there was again plenty of discussion between the pair at training on Thursday.
Afterwards, Murray spoke about his new role, which surprised the entire sports world when Djokovic announced it in November.
The 37-year-old Briton didn’t see it coming either, saying: “I was actually playing golf. We were actually texting. Novak texted me just wanting to talk.
“I was on the 17th hole of the golf course and the guy I was playing with said, ‘Do you know what’s next’? I said, ‘No, not really.’ He said, ‘Do you have any plans to practice,’ and I said, ‘Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse right now’.
“And then after 30 minutes I was in the car and called Novak, and then we talked and he asked me if I would be interested in helping, which I obviously did not expect.
“I told him, ‘Look, I’ve got to think about it and talk to my family.’ So I talked to them and, after a few days, I thought it was a pretty unique opportunity and experience.”
Murray has been spending a lot of time on the golf course since his retirement after the Olympics last summer, and has spoken about wanting to spend more time with his young family.
He was unable to join Djokovic at the preliminary tournament in Brisbane last week due to a family skiing holiday.
“My wife was very supportive of that,” he said. “I was actually going to be in Australia for a few days during the tournament anyway. She was surprised, obviously, that he asked me, but she was really supportive of it.
“Maybe if it was a younger player, where it’s maybe long-term, (you’re) maybe looking at five, six years potentially. I’m not sure that’s necessarily the case with Novak – but you never know if he’s doing well. But it was big support.”
Murray spent a week and a half with Djokovic in Spain during the pre-season, but for now the deal only extends to the end of the Australian Open, which the Serb will be bidding to win for the 11th time.
Murray did not rule out a more permanent deal in the future, adding: “I thought it would be good to try and spend some time together in the off-season around Australia and see how it goes for both of us, because it’s a bit different. It’s not the usual kind of set-up.
“So it made sense to try it and see if it works. And then we said we’ll make a more definitive decision after the tournament.”
Murray’s first match in the coaching box will take place when Djokovic will play against the young American Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NOW.
