Novak Djokovic has confirmed that his coaching partnership with Scottish tennis great Andy Murray will continue for the foreseeable future, following a successful trial period at the Australian Open in January.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and one of Great Britain’s most accomplished athletes, joined Djokovic’s team on a trial basis during the Melbourne tournament.
The Serbian star reached the semi-finals but was forced to retire against Alexander Zverev because of a leg injury.
After his elimination, Djokovic suggested they needed time to reflect before deciding on the next steps.
But now the 37-year-old has come to terms with what he wants, and that includes having Murray, who retired at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, by his side.
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He told the ATP Tour's in-house media channel: "We had a chat the day after I finished [the Australian Open] - we reflected on the period we spent together.
"We agreed he was going to take some time and think, speak with his family members and see if he decides to keep working.
"I expressed my desire to continue the collaboration with him so I am really glad he did accept.
"It is indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together, but we agreed most likely in the [United] States and then some clay-court tournaments. We will see how it goes after that."
Djokovic praised Murray when asked if he had learned anything about his game since partnering with the Scot, who was previously one of his fiercest rivals on the court.
"Yes, I mean, to some extent," he said. "Obviously it was exciting for the whole tennis world and also for us to be in different roles together on the same side of the net.
"He obviously has a unique perspective on my game. He has played me and all of the current best players in the world and my opponents. He knows everyone well.
"He knows exactly what we need to do tactically, we talk about tactics, the evolution of my game and what needs to be improved, what can be improved.
"He has a positive approach and has handled the whole pressure very well as it is a completely different situation from being there as a player.
"He has been terrific with all the other team members and while it was unfortunate the way the Australian Open finished with injury, but nevertheless, I think we had a great run."
