Andy Murray is set to take up a surprise role as coach for long-time rival Novak Djokovic, the duo confirmed in a blockbuster announcement on Saturday.
Murray, who ended his illustrious 19-year tennis playing career following the Olympic Games in Paris in August, is set to join Djokovic’s team as he prepares for the new season and the first Grand Slam of 2025 at the Australian Open in January.
Djokovic - who split from previous coach Goran Ivanisevic back in March - made the shock announcement in a video posted to his official social media channels that was captioned: “He never liked retirement anyway.”
The record 24-time Grand Slam winner said in a dramatic voiceover played over images of his many battles with Murray down the years: "We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits.
He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024
“We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk-takers, history-makers.
"I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It's time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard, coach Andy Murray.
"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."
Murray also confirmed then news, saying: "I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open.
"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."
Murray and Djokovic have both a lasting friendship and rivalry, having played each other as juniors and throughout their respective high-level senior careers.
They met 36 times in total on the ATP Tour across 18 years before Murray’s retirement, with Djokovic boasting 25 wins to Murray’s 11 - including 14 of the last 17 and their final meeting in the final of the 2017 Qatar Open in Doha. They were supposed to meet again in the last 16 of the 2022 Madrid Open, only for Murray to suffer from illness and hand Djokovic a walkover.
Many of their most memorable contests occurred in Grand Slams, where Djokovic held a dominant 8-2 record over Murray. They clashed in a total of seven Grand Slam finals, with Djokovic winning all four in the final of the Australian Open in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 to go along with an epic semi-final showdown in 2012.
Djokovic also defeated Murray in the French Open final at Roland Garros in 2016, though got the better of him to win his first Grand Slam at the US Open in 2012 and maiden Wimbledon title in 2013.
