Novak Djokovic is preparing for his 2025 season, with a familiar name joining his coaching setup.
Ahead of another big year on the ATP Tour, Djokovic made a huge decision that shocked the tennis world.
Djokovic and Andy Murray are set to work together in the new year, as the three-time Major champion joins the Serb’s coaching team.
Murray retired from tennis earlier this year, but wasn’t out of work for long, as he gets set to re-join the tour alongside his former rival.
Murray and Djokovic played each other 36 times in total, with the Serb leading the head-to-head 25-11.
Djokovic will be hoping that the partnership can propel him to great things in 2025 after a rare underwhelming season this time around.
One tennis legend has weighed in to give his thoughts on the exciting new partnership at the top of men’s tennis.
Jimmy Connors explains why he ‘likes’ Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s coaching partnership
Speaking on his Advantage Connors podcast, former world number one Jimmy Connors gave his thoughts on the big news.
“I think it enters a comfort zone,” he said.
“They have competed against each other, they know each other’s game, they have spent time together – not only on the court, playing great matches – but also off the court.
“There comes a point in time in your later years where if you feel comfortable and feel relaxed, with the people around you, that allows you to go out and attempt to play your best tennis and give it your all.”
He went on to explain why things change when players get older, and how working with Murray could help Djokovic.
“The older you get, it’s tougher to push yourself,” said Connors.
“You look at Djoker [Novak Djokovic] and he does everything to get himself in prime condition.
“If he’s around someone who he feels comfortable with now – not that those in the past he didn’t feel comfortable with – but as you get older things change.
“Your mind changes, your outlook changes, your feelings change and all that.
“If you can go and be more relaxed going into the tennis it allows you to play even better.”
Connors went on to give his prediction as to whether the move will work out for Djokovic and Murray.
“Maybe that is a good thing,” he said.
“It also might only last a week, you don’t know.
“You have to give it a shot though, I like what he is doing.
“He is doing whatever he can to go another year at the right level.”
Why did Novak Djokovic bring in Andy Murray to his coaching team?
News of Djokovic and Murray’s partnership, took the tennis world by storm, but what caused the move?
Well, in short, 2024 wasn’t exactly the best year of the Serb’s career, despite Djokovic’s win at the Olympic Games.
It was a rare year without an ATP title for the 37-year-old, who clearly felt a change was needed as he looks to get back to winning ways in 2025.
| Year | Year-end ranking | Grand Slam titles | Masters 1000 titles |
| 2017 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 2016 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 2015 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
Only twice in the past decade has Djokovic failed to pick up a Major title, with his 2024 season ranking only lower than his disappointing 2017 campaign.
In 2017 Djokovic split with several long-time coaches including Marian Vajda, whom he reunited with in 2018, as he returned to winning ways.
Djokovic is clearly hoping that another drastic coaching change will see him return to form in 2025 as he looks to bring home a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
The Serb is set to return to action at the Brisbane International which begins on December 30.
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