Andy Murray joins up with long-time tennis rival ahead of Australian Open

Andy Murray is making a return to professional tennis... as a coach of a former rival. 

The Scottish sensation hung up his racquet after the 2024 Paris Olympics and has since been seen swapping a tennis court for a golf course. 

(Image: PA) However, it's been revealed that Novak Djokovic has asked the three-time Grand Slam winner to mentor him ahead of the upcoming Australian Open, which begins on January 12, 2025. 

“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open," Murray said on Saturday (November 23).

“I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”

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Read more: 

• 'An inspiration to everyone': Tennis legends laud Andy Murray's career
• Emotional Andy Murray bows out of tennis after doubles defeat in Paris

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(Image: PA) Djokovic, who parted ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, is optimistic that bringing Murray onto his team will assist him in returning to the pinnacle of the sport.

This comes after he experienced a calendar year without securing a grand slam title for the first time since 2017 as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz dominated. 

On the shock link-up between old nemesis's. Djokovic added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach.

“Looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”