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.
Looking back, 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 telephone and he requested me if I’d contemplate teaching him, which I wasn’t anticipating,” Murray mentioned in feedback printed by The Times from his Centre Stage interview. “I believe it was a fairly distinctive alternative. I used to be actually having fun with being at residence, however I assumed 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 break up final month, ending a partnership that lasted lower than six months.
“Thanks, coach Andy, for all of the arduous work, enjoyable & assist over final six months on & off the courtroom,” Djokovic mentioned. “I actually loved deepening our friendship collectively.”
Thanks, coach Andy, for all of the arduous work, enjoyable & assist 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 report, 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 aside from Djokovic, mentioned from the beginning he wished the 37-year-old Serbian famous person to specific himself brazenly on courtroom—and he anticipated to really feel stress within the teaching field. The person nicknamed Muzzah would not wish to muzzle Djokovic’s emotional depth.
“Clearly I anticipate when the matches begin it is annoying,” Murray mentioned days earlier than the beginning of Melbourne. “If you’re making an attempt to attain nice issues it’s not straightforward.
“However the rewards on the finish of it may be nice and that’s one thing I’m trying ahead (to).”
Working with Murray, Djokovic reached the Miami Open closing the place he had a shot for his one centesimal profession championship however misplaced to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik. General, Djokovic posted a 25-11 report in opposition to his rival and ex-coach Murray.
Corridor of Famer John McEnroe informed 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 informed 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 Large 3 rivals Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic, Murray mentioned “I’d by no means declare to be on the identical degree as them.”
“It’s not necessary. It’s not one thing I lose any sleep over at evening,” Murray mentioned. “I’m absolutely conscious that these guys achieved is much larger than something I’ve performed.
“I’d by no means declare to be on the identical degree as them.”
