By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Who would’ve thought that a long-time rival would become your future coach in the sport of lawn tennis?
After sharing the court as opponents in a total of 36 matches including several memorable playoff battles, former world no. 1 Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic announced the arrival of his former foe Andy Murray as his new coach confirmed on November 24, 2024.
The decision came after Djokovic split up with his former long-time mentor Goran Ivanisevic. According to his camp, Murray will join the off-season training as soon as possible.
Djokovic also made his latest coaching reshuffle official in a video posted on his various social media accounts.
“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. It turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach,” said Djokovic.
This year was a roller coaster ride for Djokovic after missing several Grand Slam championship appearances and a series of semifinal defeats during the past legs of the ATP Major circuits.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is hoping that Murray’s work ethic and tremendous feel for the game will help him rekindle his spark, especially in the approaching 2025 playing calendar.
Murray’s effectiveness as a head coach will first be tested when the 2025 Australian Open kicks off on January 6, 2025.
However, Murray’s contract and length of stay with the Djokovic camp is yet to be disclosed, whether he will be kept after a convincing Australian Open campaign or be waived off if expectations are not met.
Murray, who just retired after spending the last 19 years of his life as a professional tennis player, was a former world no. 1 ranked player during his prime.
The British legend was a winner of three Grand Slam championship titles and is considered one of the greatest to ever step up on the Olympic stage after delivering two singles gold medals for his nation.
The British ace first delivered the gold medal to Great Britain during the 2012 edition and followed it up with another championship in the 2016 Olympic Games.
Murray then failed to win his third straight gold medal when his Olympic participation in the 2020 Tokyo edition got derailed due to a series of injuries.
Can Murray help Djokovic get back on track?
