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Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025

Novak Djokovic is embracing a new chapter in his career, finding motivation in an unexpected source: his longtime rival Andy Murray.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy
Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy

The Serbian tennis icon, Novak Djokovic, 37, announced on social media that Andy Murray, also 37, will serve as his new coach for the 2025 season. This surprising partnership marks a fresh direction for Djokovic, who has been seeking new challenges since the retirement of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

 

In a playful announcement video, Djokovic reflected on his storied rivalry with Murray, which dates back to their junior days. The two faced each other 36 times on the professional circuit, with Djokovic winning 25 of those encounters. Their history is marked by intense competition, including showdowns in the finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments—a rare feat achieved only by Djokovic and Nadal as well. Djokovic holds an 8-2 advantage over Murray in these high-stakes matches, including a 5-2 record in Grand Slam finals.

Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy
Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy

Murray, who retired from professional tennis after competing in doubles at the Paris Olympics, is stepping into a new role after an illustrious career. Djokovic humorously noted in his announcement that “retirement was never his style,” underscoring Murray’s enduring connection to the sport. This collaboration reunites two players who were not only rivals but also close contemporaries, born just a week apart in May 1987.

Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy
Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy

Novak Djokovic’s next chapter

Djokovic’s decision comes as he navigates a transitional phase in his career. He chose to sit out the latter part of the 2024 season, skipping the Paris-Bercy Masters and the ATP Finals in Turin. Instead, he has focused on preparing for the 2025 season to clinch an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title. A win would break his tie with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam victories, currently standing at 24.

Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy
Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy

This new partnership adds to Djokovic’s history of working with renowned coaches. Over the years, his team has included Boris Becker, Radek Štěpánek, and most recently, Goran Ivanišević, with whom he parted ways earlier this year. Despite competing without an official coach in the latter half of 2024, Djokovic achieved one of the last major milestones of his career: an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games.

From the court to the box

The two legends recently appeared together at a tribute event for Rafael Nadal at the Martín Carpena arena, celebrating their mutual respect for the Spanish great. As they now transition into a player-coach dynamic, the tennis world eagerly anticipates how Murray’s strategic insights and Djokovic’s unparalleled drive will shape the next stage of his career.

Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy
Once adversaries, now allies: Murray to coach Djokovic in 2025 / Photo via courtesy

This partnership reflects Djokovic’s ongoing quest to stay at the top of the sport. With his focus on new goals and Murray’s fresh perspective from outside the player’s box, the collaboration could provide the spark needed for Djokovic to extend his legacy even further in the twilight of his career.

 

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