Novak Djokovic has announced that he has hired his rival Andy Murray to be his next coach
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have been rivals since they played together in some of the biggest stages of tennis.
Now, Djokovic and Murray will be working together. The two announced on social media that Murray will be Djokovic's coach during the off-season and at least through the Australian Open.
“We have been playing with each other since we were boys – for 25 years we have been rivals, pushing each other beyond our limits. We have had the most serious battles in our game. They call us changemakers, dangerous, history makers,” said Djokovic in a video posted on social media.
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, right, and Britain's Andy Murray pose for photos at the net before their French Open tennis tournament final match at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, Sunday, June 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)
“I thought our story might be over. Turns out it has one last chapter. It's time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome, Coach – Andy Murray.”
In March, after winning 12 Grand Slam titles in six years with coach Goran Ivaniseiv, Djokovic parted ways with his longtime coach and has never hired anyone permanently.
The 24-year-old Grand Slam champion had a down season in 2024, failing to win a Grand Slam or any tour-level tournament. Djokovic's achievement earned Serbia a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, and Britain's Andy Murray hold their trophies after their final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Paris. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)
Murray, 37, retired from competitive play after the Olympics in July and is looking forward to starting his next chapter in tennis.
“I will be joining Novak's team later in the season to help him prepare for the Australian Open,” Murray said in a statement released by his management team. “I'm really excited about it and I'm looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him achieve his goals.”
Djokovic, also 37, and Murray were born a week apart in May 1987 and faced each other 36 times in their professional careers. Djokovic holds a 25-11 record against Murray, including 11-8 in finals, and 8-2 in Grand Slam tournaments.
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Britain's Andy Murray, left, and Serbia's Novak Djokovic attend a press conference ahead of the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 in London, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
Djokovic beat Murray at the Australian Open four times; in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Murray won two of his three Grand Slams with Djokovic as his opponent, the 2012 US Open and the 2013 Wimbledon final, when Murray became the first British man in 77 years to win a singles tournament at the All England Club .
Next year's Australian Open starts on Jan. 12.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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