Andy Murray is gearing up to coach Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open (Image: Getty)
John McEnroe has questioned whether Andy Murray will want to continue coaching in tennis if his stint working alongside ends badly.
The tennis world was sent into a state of shock when Murray announced his intention to join Djokovic’s coaching team just months after the three-time Grand Slam champion hung up his racket.
Murray retired as a player following the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, but unable to stay away from the sport for too long, he’s part of the backroom staff looking to guide Djokovic to a record-extending 25th Slam title this year.
It all starts in earnest this month when the gets underway in Melbourne – a tournament Djokovic has previously won 10 times.
But according to former semi-finalist McEnroe, Murray’s coaching credentials will come under examination, depending on how Djokovic gets on down under.
Speaking ahead of 2025’s first Grand Slam, McEnroe mused: “This thing with Murray and Djokovic, especially if Djokovic wins they’ll be like ‘wow this is incredible’ and I’m sure he’ll be flooded with coaching requests.”
However, should things fall flat on their face, McEnroe is worried Murray’s coaching career could prove to be a short-lived one.
Read more…
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray announced their partnership late in 2024 (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The 65-year-old continued: “If it doesn’t work out, say Djokovic loses in the quarter-final or semi-final, they decide not to continue, would Murray want to coach someone else?”
It’s certainly a baptism of fire for Murray, who links up with Djokovic on the back of the Serb failing to win one of the four Slams for the first time since 2017.
On the partnership in general, McEnroe stated: “It’s completely crazy in a good way, I guess. Murray coaching Djokovic is remarkable, but it’s fun to talk about.
Don’t miss… [READ] [TENNIS] [NEWS]
“Novak’s 37, he didn’t win one last year, it’s going to be tough for him to win another. But I remember six or seven years ago, when he looked like an imposter from what he was and he started winning everything again.”
He added: “I’m sort of in the middle, I wouldn’t be surprised if he won a couple more [Grand Slams]. He’s the last guy you’d want to count out, but you’d think the age is starting to catch up with him.”
Djokovic will discover his fate ahead of this month’s when the main draw is made on Thursday.
The 37-year-old enters the tournament ranked seventh in the world, having slipped from world No.1 spot midway through 2024.