As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the storied clay of Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic stands alone as the last of tennis’s “Big Four,” his rivals—Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray—having retired from the professional stage. Yet, even as he chases a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic’s recent reflections have turned to his former coach and longtime rival, Andy Murray, whose brief but impactful stint in his corner ended just weeks ago. In a candid moment before his first-round victory, Djokovic shared heartfelt insights about their coaching partnership, offering future players a glimpse into what it’s like to work with the three-time Grand Slam champion. “Whoever he decides to work with next, if and when, you know, that player is going to be lucky because he has definitely a lot to share, a lot of great insights,” Djokovic said, his voice tinged with gratitude and respect for the Scot who once pushed him to the limit on the court.
The Djokovic-Murray coaching experiment, announced in November 2024, was a seismic moment in tennis, uniting two fierce rivals who clashed in 36 professional matches, including seven major finals. Murray, fresh off his retirement at the 2024 Paris Olympics, brought his high tennis IQ and strategic acumen to Djokovic’s team, guiding him to the Australian Open semi-finals and the Miami Open final. Despite these highs, the partnership ended by mutual agreement on May 13, 2025, after a string of early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid. “It just didn’t work out between us in terms of results, in terms of what we were hoping for, and that’s all there is to it,” Djokovic explained, acknowledging the lack of titles but emphasizing the personal growth their collaboration fostered. “Personally, I actually enjoyed my time very much with him, and I feel like we have a closer relationship because of our working relationship in the last four, five months.”
Djokovic’s praise for Murray’s coaching prowess was effusive, painting a picture of a mentor who blends tactical brilliance with emotional intelligence. He highlighted Murray’s ability to understand the pressures of elite competition, having faced the same battles as a former world No. 1. “I think he’s one of the most brilliant tennis IQ guys out there,” Djokovic said, recalling how Murray’s insights during practice sessions helped refine his game. Their time together wasn’t without challenges—Djokovic admitted to initial awkwardness in opening up to a former rival. “I must say at the beginning it was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share the insights with him, not just about the game, but about how I feel, about life in general,” he shared. Yet, Murray’s professionalism and dedication quickly bridged that gap, fostering a dynamic where Djokovic felt supported both on and off the court.
The emotional weight of their partnership was palpable during Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony at Roland Garros, where Djokovic, Murray, and Federer stood together to honor their rival. Djokovic admitted the moment stirred reflections on his own career’s end. “I was just, yeah, obviously talking to Federer and Murray about their goodbyes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries,” he said, his tone bittersweet. “Part of me is proud that I’m still there, that I’m still going, but at the same time, I was, and I still am a bit sad that they’re all gone.” Murray, for his part, found the coaching role demanding but rewarding, noting, “I enjoyed the matches. I liked sitting at the side watching matches from a different perspective. I enjoyed the analysis, and preparing and planning, the strategy and everything.”
As Djokovic prepares for his next match against Corentin Moutet, his words carry a clear message to players eyeing Murray as a coach: expect a mentor who brings unmatched insight, fierce dedication, and a unique perspective forged in the crucible of elite competition. “I was very privileged and honored,” Djokovic said of their time together, a sentiment that underscores the profound impact Murray left—not just as a coach, but as a friend and former foe who helped him navigate one of the toughest seasons of his career.
# Novak Djokovic Reflects on Andy Murray’s Coaching Impact
As the 2025 French Open unfolds on the storied clay of Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic stands alone as the last of tennis’s “Big Four,” his rivals—Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray—having retired from the professional stage. Yet, even as he chases a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic’s recent reflections have turned to his former coach and longtime rival, Andy Murray, whose brief but impactful stint in his corner ended just weeks ago. In a candid moment before his first-round victory, Djokovic shared heartfelt insights about their coaching partnership, offering future players a glimpse into what it’s like to work with the three-time Grand Slam champion. “Whoever he decides to work with next, if and when, you know, that player is going to be lucky because he has definitely a lot to share, a lot of great insights,” Djokovic said, his voice tinged with gratitude and respect for the Scot who once pushed him to the limit on the court.
The Djokovic-Murray coaching experiment, announced in November 2024, was a seismic moment in tennis, uniting two fierce rivals who clashed in 36 professional matches, including seven major finals. Murray, fresh off his retirement at the 2024 Paris Olympics, brought his high tennis IQ and strategic acumen to Djokovic’s team, guiding him to the Australian Open semi-finals and the Miami Open final. Despite these highs, the partnership ended by mutual agreement on May 13, 2025, after a string of early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid. “It just didn’t work out between us in terms of results, in terms of what we were hoping for, and that’s all there is to it,” Djokovic explained, acknowledging the lack of titles but emphasizing the personal growth their collaboration fostered. “Personally, I actually enjoyed my time very much with him, and I feel like we have a closer relationship because of our working relationship in the last four, five months.”
Djokovic’s praise for Murray’s coaching prowess was effusive, painting a picture of a mentor who blends tactical brilliance with emotional intelligence. He highlighted Murray’s ability to understand the pressures of elite competition, having faced the same battles as a former world No. 1. “I think he’s one of the most brilliant tennis IQ guys out there,” Djokovic said, recalling how Murray’s insights during practice sessions helped refine his game. Their time together wasn’t without challenges—Djokovic admitted to initial awkwardness in opening up to a former rival. “I must say at the beginning it was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share the insights with him, not just about the game, but about how I feel, about life in general,” he shared. Yet, Murray’s professionalism and dedication quickly bridged that gap, fostering a dynamic where Djokovic felt supported both on and off the court.
The emotional weight of their partnership was palpable during Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony at Roland Garros, where Djokovic, Murray, and Federer stood together to honor their rival. Djokovic admitted the moment stirred reflections on his own career’s end. “I was just, yeah, obviously talking to Federer and Murray about their goodbyes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries,” he said, his tone bittersweet. “Part of me is proud that I’m still there, that I’m still going, but at the same time, I was, and I still am a bit sad that they’re all gone.” Murray, for his part, found the coaching role demanding but rewarding, noting, “I enjoyed the matches. I liked sitting at the side watching matches from a different perspective. I enjoyed the analysis, and preparing and planning, the strategy and everything.”
As Djokovic prepares for his next match against Corentin Moutet, his words carry a clear message to players eyeing Murray as a coach: expect a mentor who brings unmatched insight, fierce dedication, and a unique perspective forged in the crucible of elite competition. “I was very privileged and honored,” Djokovic said of their time together, a sentiment that underscores the profound impact Murray left—not just as a coach, but as a friend and former foe who helped him navigate one of the toughest seasons of his career.
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