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 temporary tenure because the Grand Slam king’s coach, Murray mentioned he is undecided it was enjoyable.
“We had a chat on the cellphone and he requested me if I might take into account teaching him, which I wasn’t anticipating,” Murray mentioned in feedback revealed by The Times from his Centre Stage interview. “I feel it was a fairly distinctive alternative. I used to be actually having fun with being at house, 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 onerous work, enjoyable & help over final six months on & off the courtroom,” Djokovic mentioned. “I actually loved deepening our friendship collectively.”
Thanks, coach Andy, for all of the onerous work, enjoyable & help over final six months on & off the courtroom. I actually loved deepening our friendship collectively 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iXqkdIN2Gb
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 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 in opposition to Alexander Zverev, however fell brief in his quest for a title.
Murray, who was born per week other than Djokovic, mentioned from the beginning he needed the 37-year-old Serbian celebrity to precise himself brazenly on courtroom—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 nerve-racking,” Murray mentioned days earlier than the beginning of Melbourne. “Once you’re attempting 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 closing 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 in opposition to 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 had 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—however it was enjoyable.”
Requested about competing within the shadow of Massive 3 rivals Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic, Murray mentioned “I might by no means declare to be on the identical stage as them.”
“It’s not vital. It’s not one thing I lose any sleep over at night time,” Murray mentioned. “I’m totally conscious that these guys achieved is much better than something I’ve performed.
“I might by no means declare to be on the identical stage as them.”
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