Andy Murray Reflects on Djokovic Coaching: Missed Results and Lessons

Andy Murray explains why his stint coaching Novak Djokovic didn’t deliver the hoped-for results, sharing insights from working with one of tennis’ all-time greats.

Two-time Olympic champion Andy Murray has opened up about his brief coaching stint with Novak Djokovic, saying the period yielded important lessons even if the results didn’t meet expectations. The former world No. 1 joined Djokovic’s team in late 2024 and stayed for about six months, stepping away before the end of the season.

In his first coaching role, Murray worked alongside Djokovic during the 2025 Australian Open and three other events, facing the formidable task of guiding one of tennis’ greatest competitors.

The coaching challenge with a living legend

Murray described the collaboration as highly demanding, noting that Djokovic, like himself, is a demanding athlete with intense standards. He said the experience was tough but valuable, and he is glad he pursued it.

Djokovic’s performance and the post-stint period

Djokovic reached the Australian Open semi-finals after a win over Carlos Alcaraz but was forced to retire with an injury in the semi-final against Alexander Zverev. Upon returning to action, he slipped to early exits in Qatar and Indian Wells before losing the Miami Open final to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.

Murray recalled watching Djokovic deliver exceptional tennis at the Australian Open, while acknowledging the injury setback disrupted momentum for both player and team. He added that the following months were challenging for Djokovic and his team, and that he was disappointed not to help achieve better results.

Calendar fatigue and the wider debate in tennis

The players’ calendar has been a hot topic this season. Murray opposed a significant expansion of back‑to‑back ATP 1,000 events, arguing that more travel and longer road time would harm players’ health and focus. He stressed that injuries aren’t necessarily increasing, but exhaustion and mental fatigue are more pronounced because players spend more time on the road.

Expert view

Expert comment: Coaching at the highest level is a different game from competing, requiring patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from real‑world challenges. A second analyst adds that experimentation is part of growth for coaches stepping into elite roles.

Short summary

Andy Murray’s coaching stint with Novak Djokovic was brief but insightful. He emphasised the demanding nature of guiding a top player and the valuable lessons learned about strategy, teamwork, and the realities of elite competition. Djokovic’s results during and after the period illustrate how quickly things can shift, even for a player near the sport’s peak.