Andy Murray is set to embark on his first coaching role since retiring, joining forces with his former rival Novak Djokovic for the 2025 Australian Open.
The 37-year-old, who ended his illustrious 19-year playing career in August, expressed excitement about “spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change.”
The pair, who contested four finals at the Australian Open, will work together during the off-season in preparation for the tournament, which runs from January 12 to 26.
Djokovic, a record 10-time Australian Open champion, has been without a full-time coach since the sacking of Goran Ivanisevic in March.
Brad Gilbert reacts to Andy Murray coaching appointment
Brad Gilbert, who has been without a coaching role since parting ways with Coco Gauff in September, shared his thoughts on Murray’s appointment as Djokovic’s coach.
Having helped guide Gauff to her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, Gilbert was one of many to acknowledge the significance of Murray stepping into his first coaching role.
While Gilbert may have anticipated returning to coaching before Murray, it’s likely that Murray might have thought the same!
Endorsing the decision, he called it a smart move by Djokovic, praising the potential value Murray’s expertise could bring to the partnership.
“Good move,” he posted underneath a humorous video on X, posted by Djokovic, announcing the decision, saying: “He never liked retirement anyway.”
- READ MORE: Tennis fans are all saying the same thing after Novak Djokovic appoints Andy Murray as his new coach
Novak Djokovic got the ‘big name’ he wanted as a new coach
Jim Courier was one to highlight that Novak Djokovic might consider bringing in a coach to introduce fresh ideas for the 2025 season.
The Serbian outlet SportKlub echoed this speculation, reporting a rumor shared by Djokovic’s friend and compatriot Viktor Troicki.
While Troicki did not confirm specifics, he hinted that Djokovic might be seeking a ‘big name’ to enhance his team. Troicki added that Djokovic would likely look for someone who could offer shared experiences.
It seems that Djokovic has lined up the perfect candidate in his long term rival and friend.
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