Murray Reflects On Coaching Djokovic: "Didn't Get The Results I Wanted"

 

Andy Murray has acknowledged that his time coaching Novak Djokovic didn’t deliver the results he had hoped for, admitting that their partnership was challenging but ultimately rewarding.

Murray, who retired from professional tennis after the 2024 Paris Olympics, joined Djokovic’s coaching team in November 2024. However, the two parted ways after just six months. The 38-year-old Murray, in his first coaching role, worked alongside the 24-time Grand Slam champion during the 2025 Australian Open and three other tournaments.

In an interview with *The Tennis Podcast*, Murray shared his thoughts on the experience: “You're working with one of the greatest tennis players—and one of the greatest athletes—of all time, so I knew it would be extremely demanding.”

He continued: “Novak, like me, is a challenging character in terms of how he approaches his tennis. It's very intense and exacting. Looking back, I'm glad I did it. It was an incredible experience.”

While Djokovic made it to the semi-finals at the Australian Open, defeating Carlos Alcaraz before being forced to retire injured in his match against Alexander Zverev, his results after returning from injury were less promising. He suffered first-round exits in Qatar and Indian Wells before losing to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the final of the Miami Open.

“It was unfortunate what happened in Australia with the injury, but I saw him play some incredible tennis there,” said Murray. “After the injury, it was a tough few months for Novak, and for the team as well. I was disappointed. I probably didn’t get the results I would’ve liked for him, but it was an invaluable learning experience for me. I really learned a lot about what coaching involves.”

Murray recalled a moment from his early days as Djokovic’s coach when he was asked to join him on a run. Struggling with calf cramps but determined not to disappoint his fellow former world number one, Murray described the experience as “embarrassing.”

Reflecting on his own career, Murray admitted he would have "taken more breaks" to fully appreciate his successes, particularly after his two Olympic gold medals.

The tennis calendar has been a point of concern for top players this year, with increased demands on their time and energy. Murray, who faced injuries during the latter stages of his career, was outspoken about the sport’s growing schedule. He voted against adding more two-week ATP 1,000 tournaments, expressing concern that the extended travel would lead to more player fatigue.

“I don’t think there’s evidence that players are getting injured more than before,” said Murray. “But they are more mentally fatigued, and that’s because they’re spending longer periods on the road. When you’re more fatigued, you’re more sensitive to pain and discomfort. That’s the real issue now—not the physical demand of matches, but the sheer amount of time players are away from home.”

Source: theghanareport.com