Novak Djokovic announced Andy Murray as his coach for next year’s Australian Open on Saturday. (Reuters)
“He never liked retirement anyway,” wrote Novak Djokovic on social media as the 24-time Grand Slam champion sensationally unveiled retired tennis great Andy Murray as his coach for next year’s Australian Open on Saturday.
The 37-year-olds, born just a week apart, have competed with each other as rivals since their childhood days. In 36 meetings at the professional level, Djokovic has held a superior record over the Briton, winning on 25 occasions.
“We played each other since we were boys. Twenty-five years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits,” said Djokovic. “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 on board coach Andy Murray,” Djokovic said.
He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024
Interestingly, Djokovic held an 11-8 edge in tournament finals and an 8-2 advantage in Grand Slams alone. The veteran Serb also defeated Murray in four Australian Open finals in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016. However, Murray trumped Djokovic at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013 for his first two Grand Slam titles.
After 19 years as a professional, Murray announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Djokovic completed the Career Golden Slam in Paris, after bagging his maiden Olympic gold this year. However, this was the first time in seven years that Djokovic failed to add on to his Grand Slam tally.
He remains as the last active player of the ‘Big Four’, after long-time rival Rafael Nadal played the final match of his professional career in a Davis Cup tie for Spain earlier this week.
