Andy Murray reveals what he found hardest while coaching Djokovic: "I didn't feel comfortable!"
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In November 2024, just months after Andy Murray retired, it was announced he would join Novak Djokovic's coaching team. The Scot helped Djokovic reach the Australian Open semi-finals, which Djokovic exited due to injury.
Their collaboration ended in May 2025. Having witnessed firsthand what it's like to work with one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Murray now feels better prepared for his second career – coaching.
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"I didn't feel comfortable with that."
But one aspect of the experience pushed him outside his comfort zone. Asked what he learned about himself while coaching the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Murray told The Tennis Mentor:
The first thing I realized was how much you learn about your own weaknesses. Being a player and being a coach are completely different things, which I expected. Of course, when you work with someone of that caliber, your strengths, but also your weaknesses as a coach, come to the surface. I would say the technical aspect of the game is something former players are often weak at. And Novak sometimes asked for a lot of technical suggestions - and I didn't feel very comfortable with that.
The Djokovic experience: invaluable
It takes a certain amount of honesty and self-criticism to admit you're not good at everything. Murray emphasizes that the experience with Djokovic broadened his perspective on what it truly means to contribute to someone's game.
Murray said to Djokovic:
— TENNIS (@Tennis) May 26, 2025
“Now that you have a proper coach it’s great you’re winning tournaments” 💀 pic.twitter.com/WVbUQN7q6L
I think coaches who work with younger players are often better than many who work on the Tour. Because when a player is 20, 22, you're no longer changing their entire technique. It's about small adjustments here and there. And that's definitely an area where, if I coach again, I'd want to improve – to learn from those who are very good at it.
Although his partnership with former rival Djokovic was short-lived, the two-time Wimbledon champion says he's ready for a new coaching role – when the right opportunity arises.
Yes, I would coach again, if the right project came along. I'd probably enjoy working with a younger player more, so I could influence their development from an early age. Of course, I'd be willing to help any British player, if they want it and if everything fits. But I don't think I'll be jumping straight back into coaching. I wasn't planning to travel on the Tour again when Novak called me. That wasn't my intention. I didn't miss tennis, nor was I desperate to return. But it was a pretty unique opportunity. Still, I believe I'll be involved in coaching again at some point.
After all, it's not every day you get a call from the greatest tennis player of all time – also the man you've played against most often. And having started his coaching journey at the very top, Murray now wants to gain experience at the other end of the tennis spectrum – as a mentor to up-and-coming players.