Andy Murray joined Novak Djokovic’s coaching team ahead of the Australian Open, as the Serb searched for an 11th Australian Open title.
The 37-year-old headed to Melbourne earlier this year looking to return to the top of the ATP Tour by winning his 25th Grand Slam.
It wasn’t to be, however, as Djokovic lost to Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals as he retired due to injury.
Djokovic suffered a hamstring tear during his quarter-final match, as he battled through in four sets to take down Carlos Alcaraz.
Failing in his bid to win the Australian Open for a record-extending 11th time, Djokovic will now turn his attention to the French Open, which begins in May.
Djokovic’s coach, Murray, has now reflected on his performance in Melbourne, having joined the world number seven’s coaching team for the event.
Andy Murray admits he ‘over-analyzed’ Novak Djokovic’s matches during ‘demanding’ Australian Open
Appearing as a guest on the Sporting Misadventures with Chris Hoy podcast, Murray explained how his first experience coaching went.
“I did a pretty bad job of [spending] way too much time in my room just watching videos of tennis and almost over analyzing matches, over preparing a little bit,” he said.
“So I found myself getting quite tired and I did a better job towards the end of the tournament with that.
“I was like, look, this is too much, give yourself a break, get to the gym, go for a walk, go hit a few golf balls.
“It was a good experience that I learned a lot from, but I found it hard, found it demanding.”
Murray then revealed what he enjoyed about the experience.
“I enjoyed the matches,” he said.
“I liked sitting at the side watching matches from a different perspective, I enjoyed the analysis, and preparing and planning, the strategy and everything.
“I really liked that, but I also found it very demanding.”
Djokovic and Murray will next work together at Indian Wells in March, the first Masters 1000 tournament of the season.
Novak Djokovic’s Indian Wells record ahead of Andy Murray reunion
The Serbian star is set to make his return from injury at the Qatar Open next week but will reunite with Murray in March for the Indian Wells Masters 1000 tournament.
Djokovic enjoyed real success during his early years in California, winning five titles during his first 11 appearances at the event.
| Year | Round reached/Result |
| 2016 | Winner |
| 2015 | Winner |
| 2014 | Winner |
| 2013 | Semi-finalist |
| 2012 | Semi-finalist |
| 2011 | Winner |
| 2010 | Fourth round |
| 2009 | Quarter-finalist |
| 2008 | Winner |
| 2007 | Runner-up |
| 2006 | First round |
He won his third straight title in 2016, as he took down Canada’s Milos Raonic in the final, 6-2, 6-0.
Since then, things haven’t gone quite so well for Djokovic, who has struggled to pick up results at Indian Wells for various reasons.
- 2017 – Lost in 4R to Nick Kyrgios
- 2018 – Lost in 2R to Taro Daniel
- 2019 – Lost in 3R to Philipp Kohlschreiber
- 2020 – Event not held
- 2021 – Did not attend
- 2022 – Did not attend
- 2023 – Did not attend
- 2024 – Lost in 3R to Luca Nardi
Djokovic hasn’t returned to the quarter-finals of Indian Wells since last winning the title in 2016, losing to four players outside the top ten.
The Serb suffered perhaps his worst defeat at the tournament last year, as Djokovic lost to Luca Nardi, who was ranked 123rd in the world.
Murray and Djokovic will no doubt work tirelessly over the coming weeks to avoid a similar defeat this time around.
The 2025 Indian Wells tournament featuring Djokovic is set to begin on March 3.
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