What’s next for Andy Murray-Novak Djokovic partnership after Australian Open semi-final exit? | Tennis news
It was a partnership that shocked tennis.
Just a few months after Andy Murray ended his playing career in which he was a long-time rival of Novak Djokovic, he was appointed as the Serbian language coach for the Australian Open.
But with Djokovic now knocked out in Melbourne – Withdraws with a leg injury while cornering Alexander Zverev in the semifinals – It remains to be seen whether this alliance will continue.
Djokovic was unequivocal after the loss, saying both men would need to “cool down”.
“We were both disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t discuss future steps,” he told reporters.
“I’ll definitely talk to Andy and thank him for being here with me, give him your feedback, which of course is positive. I’ll see how he feels and let’s take the next step.”
Murray said: “Novak and I agreed that we would talk after the tournament – and we will.”
Will Murray continue to coach Djokovic?
Murray cited more time with his family as something he will enjoy after leaving the game, saying: “I’m looking forward to being home consistently and not having to explain to my kids why I’m leaving.
“They don’t care about tennis, but they always wonder when I come home. Since I’m at home with them, I do normal things. Dropping them off at school, picking them up. I love playing sports with them.”
A full-time role with Djokovic would eat into that, but with the 24-time Grand Slam champion playing only a limited schedule, prioritizing the big events, the workload might not be as all-encompassing for Murray as it is for other players.
Speaking when the partnership was initially announced, Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overdd said: “Can Murray change the boundaries in terms of what we think is a proper player-coach relationship? Can he become more of a remote advisor?”
The advantages for Djokovic to retain Murray’s services are plentiful, including the fact that with the Scot so fresh out of retirement, he will have experience playing most of Djokovic’s opponents.
Murray also knows what it takes to win Grand Slams and, crucially, how to beat Djokovic.
What did Murray bring to Djokovic’s game?
With the Murray-Djokovic partnership so new, it’s hard to quantify exactly what impact the Brit has had, but a quick look at the stats suggests that Djokovic was more aggressive in Melbourne than he was in his four Grand Slam appearances in 2024.
The 37-year-old averages more aces per game. That, combined with his first serve percentage sinking slightly, hints at a more attacking mindset.
Djokovic also made and converted multiple break points at the Australian Open.
In his four-set quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz, he played more tennis and served more, although this can be attributed to the leg injury he suffered forcing him to change tactics.
What did Murray say about the experience?
Murray said: “It’s a steep learning curve for me. There’s a lot of things you know as a player that’s different when you’re training.
“There’s a lot more you need to help in terms of communication around the team. You don’t just think about yourself like you do when you’re a player.
“I’ve certainly learned a lot, but there’s still a lot more to learn, that’s for sure.
“I am fully aware that the team that has done an incredible job with him over many, many years to allow him to still compete at this level at the age he was.
“Everyone has been really helpful, they’ve really welcomed me into the team. It’s been great to be a part of.
“I got to witness incredible tennis and one of the best matches I’ve seen live against Alcaraz.
“Sometimes he feels a bit embarrassed about my relationship with Novak, how many people talk about it or when there’s a good result, it’s because I helped him.”
If not Djokovic, then where?
Speaking last November, Overnd felt Murray would enjoy working with up-and-coming players, particularly British players, if he were to pursue a coaching career.
Perhaps fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley – whose meteoric rise included a run to the third round in Melbourne after wins over Nick Kyrgios and Arthur Cazaux – will call him?
Emma Raducanu is also looking for a new coach After splitting with Nick Cavaday due to the latter’s health problems.
There doesn’t seem to be any lingering animosity From Murray to Raducanu after pulling out of Wimbledon’s mixed doubles last year to focus on singles, denying Murray Swanson at the venue where he won two Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.
Raducanu said: “I sent him a long message, basically apologizing if I caused any trouble because that’s definitely the last thing I want.
“He’s someone I grew up looking up to and I don’t want any bad blood or hard feelings with him. He really understood and responded by saying he was disappointed but he understood.”
Then they failed to join forces, so how would it be now in the capacity of player coach? It may seem unlikely, but so did Murray train Djokovic. Watch this space…
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