Andy Murray admits coaching 'a little bit more demanding than expected' as Novak Djokovic partnership set to begin
ATP
The Novak Djokovic - Andy Murray dream partnership will begin on Monday with the game of the day being the 24-time World Champion facing off against Nishesh Basavareddy, a young American upstart aiming to cause an Australian Open upset.
Basavereddy shone at the Next Gen Finals at times making his debut and Murray spoke about his role so far in the Djokovic team and his first few weeks of coaching. He said that it has been a bit more demanding than he expected.
"He's been unbelievably open, and the communication when we've been on court with each other and away from the court has been really, really good," said Murray to Sky Sports.
"I think the first couple of days it was a bit strange, and it was a bit different. But both of us have been trying to encourage that communication, and try and build that trust.
"And with frustrations on court and stuff. I totally understand that side of things for him. I'm here to try and help him as best as I can.
"It's obviously been fascinating and interesting. There's been some things that have been surprising but I expected him to be an extremely hard worker, very intense and always keen to learn, questioning lots of things, and wanting to get better.
"I've found at times coaching maybe a little bit more demanding than I expected.
"I think when you're a player, you just see what you do on the court, and you're not involved in all the conversations with your team that go into each day, about how you're feeling, or what it is that you're going to work on, and the strategy and preparations for matches.
"But, obviously, as a coach and a team member, the days look a bit different. And, yes, it's pretty demanding."
From a player to a coach, Andy Murray starts his new role.
"In my opinion, from watching his matches last year, there was at times a little bit missing, but there wasn't at the Olympics, and also at Wimbledon.
"I think the injury around the French Open time right ahead of the Olympic Games probably focused his attention and how important those next few months were.
"When he was fully motivated and fully focused, he won the Olympics, which is an incredible achievement. I think it was only natural after that for there to be a bit of a let-down, because he'd set himself really one target and one goal for the year and he did that.
"He achieved the last thing that he felt like he needed to at the Olympics. So for me and his team, it's about trying to find that motivation to keep going and pushing for more.
"Novak has in the last few years cemented himself as the best tennis player of all time, certainly of his generation, with the records that he's achieved. These next couple of years, I think he maybe already has a legitimate claim to be the best athlete of all time.
"But I think, if he can go out as a 38, 39-year-old and win more Slams and beat Alcaraz and Sinner in big matches, he's got a claim to be the best athlete of all time, and I think that's exciting for me and his team to be part of that."
"Novak is not just one of the best tennis players of all-time but one of the best athletes of all-time" 💪
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 9, 2025
Andy Murray on what it's like coaching Novak Djokovic 🗣️#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/6MAXwa4hpe
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
