Andy Murray reveals why Novak Djokovic asked him to coach
Andy Murray admits that tennis great Novak Djokovic has struggled to stay motivated since winning his first Olympic gold medal last year and securing a so-called golden slam.
Djokovic is seeking a 25th grand slam title at the Australian Open, but has also been thinking about “when do I want to end it”, fellow champion turned coach Murray tells AFR Weekend.
“He is undoubtedly the greatest tennis player and one of greatest athletes of all time,” Murray says. “For me and his team now, the main thing we are working on is maintaining his motivation. I think he’s possibly been lacking that, towards the end of last season, so it’s about reinvigorating that desire to win at the highest level.”
The unlikely megastar team-up has been the talk of this year’s Australian Open, with Russian player Daniil Medvedev saying it was like Lionel Messi coaching Cristiano Ronaldo.
The recently retired Murray says he was “shocked” when long-time rival Djokovic called and asked him to be his coach at this year’s Australian Open. But he says it was a “unique opportunity” he couldn’t pass up.
Djokovic says he “begged” Murray to join the team, although after his first-round victory in Melbourne, he admitted “it was a bit of a strange experience to have him courtside in my box” after playing for over 20 years against each other at the highest level.
Djokovic was also seen blowing a kiss to Murray on Wednesday when he powered his way into the third round, where he faces Czech Tomas Machac on Friday night.
Fans have been able to watch the pair’s interactions up close, with the tournament’s controversial new “coaching pods” allowing a player’s team members to sit courtside.
Some tennis commentators described the pair’s interactions as awkward, with Djokovic appearing unwilling to lose his cool with his new coach but also appearing frustrated at times.
Others have pointed to the lack of interaction including when Djokovic was behind in the first round and looked towards his player box, made a talking sign with his hand, then held out his arms in obvious dissatisfaction.
But while Murray, who won two of his grand slam titles against Djokovic, is considered a great strategist, the retired British star says the key reason for coming on board was to keep the Serbian icon motivated in the twilight of his career.
Djokovic, a 24-time grand slam champion and 10-time Australian Open victor, has already passed Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the most grand slam titles. Murray says Djokovic’s first Olympic gold medal in Paris last year had been a driving force to keep him playing.
“He has achieved so much in his career. The Olympics was the final missing piece for him last year,” Murray says.
The 37-year-old Djokovic broke another record on Wednesday when he overtook Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played. A record-extending 11th Australian Open this year, as well as a 25th major, would put him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court for all-time victories.
Murray famously prolonged his career after hip surgery to play and win again and hopes to tap into some of that spirit to motivate Djokovic.
“I just really wanted to keep playing tennis. I love the sport, and at that stage, I wasn’t ready to give up,” Murray says.
“There were definitely some dark days when I was injured, when I didn’t know whether I’d play again. I had to dig pretty deep but the desire to keep playing, and the support from my family and my team kept me going.”
Murray says keeping motivated can be just as hard in work and other aspects of life. One post-tennis goal is to play golf off scratch (that is, playing at par or better) and he is continuing to pursue sponsorship and commercial opportunities – including featuring in an advertising campaign for Uber Eats in which he is being chased through Melbourne.
“Motivation applies in all walks of life. I’m still adjusting to being a retired tennis player, but my team are helping me to set new goals and plan the future, and I’m working out what gets me out of bed in the mornings,” he says.
