According to Andy Murray, the outcomes achieved during his stint as Novak Djokovic’s coach “perhaps weren’t as favorable as I had envisioned” for his former opponent.
Murray, who concluded his competitive tennis career at the 2024 Paris Games, became part of Djokovic’s coaching staff last November but their collaboration ended after only half a year.
In his initial coaching endeavor, the 38-year-old Murray teamed up with the holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic, at the 2025 Australian Open along with three additional competitions.
During an interview featured on The Tennis Podcast, Murray expressed: “You’re working alongside not just one of the premier tennis players, but also one of the greatest athletes in history, so my expectation was that it would present considerable challenges.”
“Novak, much like myself, possesses a demanding character concerning his approach to tennis; [it] is exceptionally rigorous.
“Looking back, I feel content that I undertook it. It represents an extraordinary experience that I’ve gained.”
Djokovic triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz, securing a place in the Australian Open’s semi-finals, but an injury forced him to withdraw from his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev.
Upon his return to competition, Djokovic faced defeats in the first round in Qatar and at Indian Wells, before ultimately losing to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final.
“The circumstances surrounding the injury in Australia were regrettable, but I observed him displaying phenomenal tennis during that event,” Murray remarked.
“Subsequent to the injury, the ensuing months were undoubtedly challenging for him, and also, I believe, for the team and all of us involved. I felt a sense of disappointment. The results achieved for him perhaps did not meet my expectations. Nonetheless, I acquired substantial knowledge regarding the nature of coaching.”
