Novak Djokovic has made a surprising announcement on social media, revealing that tennis legend Andy Murray will join his coaching team for the 2024 Australian Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion shared his excitement, stating, “He never liked retirement anyway,” referring to Murray’s decision to step out of retirement and take on a coaching role.
A Longstanding Rivalry Turns Into a New Chapter
The two tennis giants, who were born just a week apart in May 1987, have had an intense rivalry since their junior days. Over the course of 36 professional meetings, Djokovic has dominated with a 25-11 head-to-head record.
Despite their fierce competition on the court, Djokovic acknowledged the history between them, saying, “We played each other since we were boys. Twenty-five years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits.”
The pair’s battles have been some of the most memorable in tennis history, with both players hailed as "game changers" and "risk takers. They called us game changers, risk takers, history makers. I thought our story may be over. It turns out, it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner" Djokovic reflected on the journey.
Murray’s Role as Djokovic’s Coach
In what can be described as a remarkable twist, Murray, who retired earlier this year after 19 years on the professional circuit, will now serve as Djokovic’s coach for the upcoming Australian Open. Murray, who won three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals, expressed his excitement about the new role:
“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. 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," he said
A Rivalry Defined by Grand Slam Finals
Throughout their careers, Djokovic and Murray have met in many high-stakes matches, including several Grand Slam finals. Djokovic holds a commanding 8-2 advantage in their head-to-head Grand Slam matchups and has defeated Murray four times in the Australian Open final (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016). Despite this, Murray had his moments of glory, with victories over Djokovic in the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon, marking his first two Grand Slam titles.
A Shared Legacy in Tennis
Murray’s retirement earlier this year, following the Paris Olympics, marked the end of an era for the "Big Four" of tennis, with Djokovic remaining as the last active player of the group. As the only member still competing, Djokovic continues to lead the charge in men’s tennis while forging a new chapter with Murray by his side.
Looking Ahead to the Australian Open
The 2025 Australian Open is set to begin on January 12, and Djokovic will be aiming to add to his impressive career tally. With Murray now in his corner, the upcoming tournament promises to be one of the most exciting and unique chapters of their long-running rivalry.
