Andy Murray has recalled his shock before asking his wife if he could coach Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open – while the 10-time champion says he “begged” the Briton to help him.
Newly-retired Murray, who lost the Melbourne final to Djokovic four times, is preparing to work with the most successful male player in history for the first time at the first Grand Slam of the year, where the pair have landed a draw that could encounter Carlos Alcaraz, world number two Alex Zverev and world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner.
“We got on a call, had a long chat,” said Murray, who has gained approval from his spouse, Kim, to trial his partnership with Djokovic and joked that he wants revenge for his defeats to him.
“Novak asked me to help him; I was shocked, I was not expecting that when he called. I said I’d have to ask my wife and see what she said.
“She was really supportive of it – it’s a unique opportunity, and we thought we’d give it a go and see if I could help. This man was single-handedly responsible for [Murray not winning the title], so I’m now here to single-handedly sabotage his chances of winning another one.”
“I’m now here to sabotage his chances of winning another one” 😅
Andy Murray on coaching Novak Djokovic after losing four #AusOpen finals against him 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hxCLxwdOtW
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 9, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Australian Open draw
Seventh seed Djokovic will launch his campaign against world number 133 Nishesh Basavareddy, a 19-year-old American wildcard entrant.
Murray added that he will not mind if the irascible Djokovic shouts at him during matches “provided that he’s giving his best effort and trying as hard as he can”.
“I begged him,” said Djokovic. “I said ‘Andy, please be my coach’. We agreed and spent a good eight, nine days of the preparation period in December.”
Murray placed a condition of being allowed to go on his first ski trip with his family. “I grew up on the mountains and came from a family of skiers,” reflected Djokovic, watching a clip of Murray on the slopes.
“Andy has plenty of stability and control. I was worried – I just said ‘Andy, please come back in one piece’.”
What we have all been waiting for…
Andy Murray has arrived in Melbourne to begin his partnership with Novak Djokovic 🤝#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/sk8tf4CwiM
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 7, 2025
Djokovic Grand Slam titles
Should Djokovic win one more major, the 37-year-old will eclipse Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 titles at Grand Slam tournaments.
“It’s been as I expected,” said Murray. “Novak is not just one of the best tennis players of all time, but one of the best athletes of all time. I expected him to be a very hard worker, diligent and wanting to improve.”
