"I always knew I’d like to coach”: Andy Murray discusses transition to coaching role with Novak Djokovic
ATP
Andy Murray ended his first tournament as a coach after Novak Djokovic’s semifinal exit at the Australian Open. The former World No. 1 Brit joined Nole just a few months after his retirement and made a return to Grand Slam action, albeit this time from the box of one of his biggest rivals.
After Murray’s retirement, few would have predicted his swift return to the Tour as a coach. The surprise wasn’t just how quickly he decided to return to tennis in a new role, but because he teamed up with none other than the 24-time Grand Slam champion, a partnership that generated anticipation from the outset.
Although it was an unexpected move from Murray, he acknowledged after the Australian Open that his coaching aspirations weren’t new and he valued his first experience from outside the court. "I always knew I’d like to coach. I never thought I wouldn’t, but I learned things that were perhaps a little different from what I expected.”
“There are certainly areas in which I need to improve, such as the technical side of the game. As a player, I understand the basics, but not extremely well like some very experienced coaches."
“Former players are generally quite good at strategy and understand psychology and other aspects of the game,” the three-time Grand Slam champion added. “But there are many other areas of coaching that I need to learn. There are some things I’ve really enjoyed.”
What we have all been waiting for...
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 7, 2025
Andy Murray has arrived in Melbourne to begin his partnership with Novak Djokovic 🤝#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/sk8tf4CwiM
As a player, the public was used to seeing Murray live his matches with maximum intensity. However, as a coach, he assumed a more measured role. “I was very nervous before the games, but when I watched the games, I felt like I could forget about it,” Andy Murray acknowledged. “I felt calm on the sidelines and watched, trying to do my job at times.”
The Brit also discussed how he experienced Djokovic’s quarterfinal match, where Nole put on a remarkable performance to defeat Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. “At the end of the game against Alcaraz or in important moments, you feel nervous, but not as much as when you’re playing.”
It remains unknown whether Murray and Djokovic will continue their partnership. The Serbian has yet to announce whether they will work together for the rest of the season. “I don’t know. We both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about the future steps,” Djokovic mentioned in a press conference after his exit to Alexander Zverev.
“We are so fresh off the court. I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me. Give him my feedback, which is, of course, positive, and see how he feels, then we’ll take the next step,” Djokovic concluded.
Tennis IQ off the charts 💯 Djokovic x Murray#KiaAustralia • #AustralianOpen • #KiaEVrange pic.twitter.com/Jp1uzkNcpx
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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