"I’m sure this is going to be extremely short-lived": John McEnroe reacts to Andy Murray coaching Novak Djokovic

John McEnroe weighs in on Andy Murray’s hiring as Novak Djokovic’s coach The British former World No. 1 retired at the recent Olympic Games and just months later, was surprisingly confirmed as coach of one of his biggest career rivals.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is coming off a turbulent season—the first without a Major title since 2017—during which he split with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic. Djokovic briefly worked with his childhood coach, Nenad Zimonjic, but spent much of the year traveling without a coach.

McEnroe reflects on Murray’s return as Djokovic’s coach

Djokovic made the announcement a few weeks ago via social media, shaking the tennis world after partnering with his contemporary, whom he has known since their junior days. Former World No. 1 John McEnroe jokingly shared his thoughts on the decision during Andy Roddick’s Served podcast, speculating on Murray's reasons for returning to the Tour in a new role.

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According to the American 7-time Grand Slam champion, Murray would probably still be playing on Tour if not for his physical limitations. “Andy’s searching. And listen, I have six kids. He’s got four kids. So he’s like, ‘I need a break,’” McEnroe laughed.

“He sort of got pushed into retirement, right? In a way, unfortunately, because his body wouldn’t hold up,” McEnroe added. “It catches up to you, and it’s hard. It’s really hard when you’re still feeling pretty young and desperately wanting to play. So I’m happy [for him].”

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at the 2022 Laver Cup

Murray and Djokovic’s partnership will begin in the early part of the season. The Serbian is preparing for his first tournament at the Brisbane International, which kicks off on December 29. “I mean, I’m sure this is going to be extremely short-lived but for tennis, the interest that it brings to it, hopefully around the world,” McEnroe continued.

“I’m hopeful that Djokovic wins it because it would give Murray a little hit. He needs some more positive vibes. And I’m kidding a little bit about him needing to be away from his kids! He’ll sleep a lot more, let’s put it that way, than he would’ve otherwise.”

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Still, McEnroe supported Murray's potential as Djokovic’s coach and believes he can add significant value to the Serbian’s game. “This guy is a tennis geek, and he loves it,” McEnroe explained. “And I’m sure he’ll leave no stone unturned for Novak, just the way he did for himself. This guy gave 120 per cent of what he could give for it. Murray gave it absolutely everything he had.”

“I think Murray is going to bring something to the table, just his mere presence more than anything else,” the 4-time US Open champion added. “He can totally relate to everything that’s been going on. Obviously, Novak has a lot of respect for him, so he’s going to be able to push him when he needs to.”