Andy Murray to join his former rival Novak Djokovic's coaching team

 

Novak Djokovic (Right) with Andy Murray

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic announced on social media on Saturday (November 23) that Andy Murray is going to join his coaching team for the Australian Open and offseason.

In this new role, Murray, who retired after the 2024 Olympic Games, will collaborate with his old on-court rival.

“We played each other since we were boys. Twenty-five years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport,” Djokovic said in the video posted to social media.

In the social media video, Djokovic remarked, "We had some of the most epic battles in our sport."

“They called us game changers, risk takers, history makers. I thought our story may be over, turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board coach Andy Murray.”

At the Australian Open in January, Djokovic, who has won 24 men's grand slam trophies, will be looking to Murray to help him win a record-tying 25th trophy.

According to the Associated Press, Djokovic stated in a statement, "I am thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach."

Murray was as thrilled about the new role as Djokovic was.

"I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the offseason, helping him prepare for the Australian Open," said the 37-year old Murray, who had a successful career in tennis.

His achievement include three Grand Slam titles, 14 Masters 1000 Series titles (the fifth-most since 1990), two gold medals at the Olympics, and a title at the ATP Finals.

He also has two exhibition titles, two doubles titles with his brother Jamie Murray and an Olympic silver medal in the mixed doubles with Laura Robson.