Andy Murray joins Novak Djokovic’s team as new coach

Novak Djokovic has named former rival Andy Murray as his new coach, breaking the news on social media on Saturday evening.

While the announcement comes as a surprise given Murray’s recent retirement, the two have shared a close friendship, born just one week apart and coming up through the junior ranks together.

“I’m excited to have one of my greatest rivals in my team, on the same side of the net, this time as my coach,” Djokovic said of the partnership.

The pair shared one of the great tennis rivalries over the past two decades, playing 36 times, but will now join forces as Djokovic seeks an 11th Australian Open title in January.

“I’m looking forward to starting the season together with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne, where we’ve shared many extraordinary moments throughout our careers,” he continued.

Djokovic and Murray met in 10 Grand Slam finals, four of which were at the Australian Open and ended in victory for the Serbian.

When Murray retired following the Paris Olympics this season, the Scot gave a hint towards how he may spend his post-playing years.

“I’d probably be more comfortable sitting up there in a coaching box than somewhere else,” he said.

“I’ll be joining Novak’s team during the preparation period, helping him get in the best possible shape for the Australian Open,” Murray said in his own statement on Saturday.

“I’m very excited about it and I am looking forward to being on the same side of the net for a change.

“I’m also grateful for the opportunity to assist him in achieving his goals for the coming year.”

The 2024 season was a mixed bag for Djokovic, who claimed an elusive Olympic gold medal, but for the first time since 2017, failed to win a Grand Slam title.

Tennis betting sites still had Djokovic as a favourite to win the Australian Open until recently, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion holding a narrow lead over Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

However, his withdrawal from the ATP Finals this month caused the 37-year-old’s odds to drop slightly, putting him on the third line of betting (+350), behind Sinner (+200) and Alcaraz (+240) at the top sportsbooks.

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