Djokovic appoints his old rival Andy Murray as new coach

London, November 24 (IANS). After nearly a decade with many tough matches under his belt, former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has appointed his one-time rival Andy Murray as his coach for the first Grand Slam of the 2025 season in Australia.

Djokovic, 37, of Serbia, announced on social media on Saturday that longtime friend and rival Andy Murray will be his new coach from the next Australian Open in Melbourne. Murray retired from professional tennis earlier this year at the Paris Olympics.

Born a week apart in May 1987, both climbing to the top of the ATP rankings and competing on the world’s biggest stages, Djokovic and Murray have faced off in 36 ATP head-to-head showdowns, of which the former won 25. They have met in 19 finals, including championship matches at seven majors and the 2016 ATP Finals. He most recently played in the 2017 Doha final.

Announcing their partnership in a video message on his social media channels, Djokovic said, “We have had some of the greatest matches in our sport. He called us game-changers, risk takers and history makers. I thought our story was over. But it turns out there’s a final chapter. Now the time has come for one of my toughest rivals to step into my part. Welcome coach Andy Murray.

“I’m excited to have one of my biggest rivals on my team, on the same side of the net, this time as my coach,” Djokovic said, according to his official website. I look forward to starting the season with Andy and being with him in Melbourne, where we have shared many extraordinary moments during our careers.

Murray was also excited about the partnership. Murray said, I will be joining Novak’s team during his preparation and helping him get in the best possible shape for the Australian Open. I am very excited about it and look forward to being on the same side of the net for a change . I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help them achieve their goals for the coming year.

According to Infosys ATP Stats, Djokovic recorded a 37-9 match record in 2024. In January he will try to win his 11th Australian Open title to reach 100 career titles.

Djokovic is the most successful tennis player in the Open Era, having won a record 24 Grand Slam titles, while the 37-year-old Murray has won three Grand Slam titles, including the Wimbledon titles in 2013 and 2016. Along with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, they were part of the Fab Four of tennis for many years.

–IANS

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## World Today News Exclusive Interview: ‌Djokovic ​&⁤ Murray – A ​New Partnership

**Welcome to World Today News!** Today we have a truly unique interview.

Joining us are two tennis‍ legends, Novak Djokovic and ⁤Andy ⁢Murray, who are embarking on ‌a new chapter of their professional relationship. But let’s not⁢ get ahead of ourselves.

First, ‍let’s‌ set the stage.

**Introduction by Host:**

After almost a decade, tennis icon Novak Djokovic has chosen a surprising yet intriguing‌ new coach – his longtime rival, Andy Murray.

This partnership immediately raises intriguing questions about their history, the future of Djokovic’s career, and the potential impact on the world of tennis.

We’ve divided this exclusive ⁢interview⁤ into three​ sections:

* **From Rivals to⁤ Collaborators:** Examining the history

*​ **The Djokovic-Murray Partnership:** Analyzing the ​Future

* **Reactions⁤ & Impact:**

Exploring wider implications.

**Section 1: ⁢From Rivals to Collaborators**

* **Novak, you and Andy have⁢ a⁤ legendary rivalry, full ⁤of memorable battles on ​the court.‍ What prompted⁣ the⁢ decision‌ to evolve this relationship from fierce competitors into a coach-player dynamic?**

* **Andy, you’re known for your tactical brilliance and mental fortitude on the‌ court. ‌What aspects‌ of your experience do⁣ you see yourself bringing to Novak’s game?**

* **This announcement has​ surprised many. Can⁤ you both talk about ​the initial⁤ reactions from other players, fans,‌ and maybe even family members?**

**

Section 2: The Djokovic-Murray Partnership: Analyzing the Future

* **Novak, you’re eyeing another Australian⁢ Open title, potentially⁢ a 100th career victory. How will‌ Andy’s insights and coaching approach specifically help you achieve these challenging goals?**

* **Andy, what are ⁣the biggest challenges you anticipate in transitioning from being a player to a primary coach for ⁢someone who’s achieved so much in the sport?**

* **Many experts believe this partnership is potentially disruptive to the tennis ⁢landscape. Novak, how do you envision this⁣ collaboration shaking up⁤ the competition?**

**

Section 3: Reactions & Impact

* **Given the unique history between you, what message⁢ do you hope this ⁤partnership sends to aspiring young ⁤tennis‍ players?**

* ⁤**How do‍ you⁣ see this collaboration ultimately impacting the legacy of‍ both⁢ your careers?**

* **any final​ thoughts or‌ predictions ‌for​ the‍ upcoming Australian ⁢Open?**

**Closing by Host:**

Thank you both, Novak and Andy, for joining us today. This truly is a groundbreaking moment in tennis, and we’ll be watching your ⁣partnership with great anticipation.

This interview structure aims ​to provide a platform for a nuanced and insightful conversation. Through open-ended questions, we strive to unveil the motivations behind ⁤this surprising partnership, explore its potential impact⁢ on⁣ the game, and ultimately delve deeper into the enduring legacies of these two tennis titans.