Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic. (Image: Getty)
Novak Djokovic has appointed Andy Murray to coach him into and through the Australian Open. In a shock development, the two former rivals will work together as Djokovic seeks to win an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne.
In a statement Djokovic confirmed the news and said he was looking forward to joining up with the man he beat four times in the final down under.
“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” he said.
“Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”
The Serbian also uploaded a picture of , which shows him alongside Murray when the pair had only just started out in the professional game. He teased the caption “He never liked retirement anyway,” to his 15.6million followers.
Murray, who retired from playing after the 2024 Paris Olympics, said: “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open.
Djokovic and Murray were considered rivals during their prime. (Image: Getty)
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“I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
Djokovic, 37 is targeting an 11th Australian Open title next year, with the tournament running from January 12-26. Neither player gave any indication whether the arrangement would continue beyond the first Slam tournament of 2025.
In March this year, Djokovic confirmed he was splitting with long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic. He’s since resisted appointing a full-time replacement, but has trained with compatriot Nenad Zimonjic.
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Despite the outcome of their four Melbourne final meetings, Murray did win two of his three major titles against the man now employing him. After beating Djokovic in five sets in the 2012 US Open final, and then prevailed when the pair met at the same stage at a year later.
And the Scot’s announcement has come out of blue. Since retiring this summer, he’s not voiced any ambition to return to tennis in a coaching capacity, instead insisting he was enjoying his new found freedom and family time.