Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray played one another 10 times at the Grand Slams. Murray beat the Serb to win his first major title at the 2012 US Open, but Djokovic won eight of those 10 meetings—including four Australian Open finals.
Next year in Melbourne, the former rivals will be on the same side of the net: They announced on Saturday a stunning new partnership that will see Murray coach the 24-time major champ ahead of and during the 2025 Australian Open.
"We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. 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. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray," Djokovic said on social media.
"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 added on his official website. "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."
Murray joins Djokovic after the Serb split with Goran Ivanisevic, his coach of six years, in March. Djokovic's 2024 season fell below his lofty standards as he closed the season at world No 7 and did not win a major title for the first time since 2017. He won just one title on the year, but it was the one he wanted most: Olympic gold in Paris, completing his career Golden Slam.
It was at that same event, held at Roland Garros, where Murray retired from professional tennis—or more accurately, from playing professional tennis.
In his new role, Murray will join Djokovic in the buildup to the Australian Open and on the ground in Melbourne at the year's first major, where the Serb is a record 10-time champion. The full extent of their partnership remains to be seen.
"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. "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."
