Why did it take so long? Laura Robson on Andy Murray staying as Novak Djokovic’s coach

Andy Murray’s former doubles partner, Laura Robson, shared her thoughts on the 3-time Grand Slam champion extending his coaching partnership with Novak Djokovic. After their first collaboration at the Australian Open, both decided to continue working together.

Djokovic was seen as the main threat to Jannik Sinner’s title defence in Melbourne, especially after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. However, he was forced to retire in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev due to a thigh injury.

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Robson explains why Djokovic took his time to confirm Murray as coach

After a few weeks of speculation, Djokovic finally announced that he would continue working with Murray indefinitely. The Times reported that their partnership is expected to last at least until Wimbledon. However, the former world No. 1 did not travel with Djokovic to this week’s Qatar Open, where the Serbian lost his opening match to Matteo Berrettini.

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Following the confirmation of their continued collaboration, Laura Robson, who won a silver medal in mixed doubles with Murray at the 2012 Olympics, analysed why Djokovic took his time before making the decision.

"You're talking to someone who's a multiple Grand Slam champion who also has four young kids," Robson said. "He's pretty busy at home. I imagine it took them a while to figure out what schedule they were going to be able to do together."

"Andy, for sure, doesn't want to do long stints at a time away from home when he literally just retired a few months ago. I imagine that it took some effort to work out amongst themselves and also their agents, I'm sure."

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at 2025 Australian Open.

Robson also noted that Murray was particularly excited about his new role as a coach and had a positive experience in his first tournament from the sidelines.

"The positive is that he's back and wanting to continue, because I know from seeing Andy on the courts in Australia, he was really excited at the prospect of hanging around and being together again and was just sinking his teeth into it and getting invested in the tactics.”

"You could see from the side of the court how much he wanted Novak to win. So to carry it on, I think it is really cool for tennis to have that storyline ongoing."

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