Djokovic and Murray’s Coaching Partnership Will Be ‘Short-Lived,’ Says McEnroe

Djokovic’s decision to appoint Murray was a massive shock. The Briton only retired from tennis at this year’s Olympics after playing in the men’s doubles with Dan Evans. They secured a couple of dramatic victories by saving match points before being knocked out.

Murray has never coached another player before. However, he and Djokovic know each other exceptionally well after playing together since they were juniors and on the biggest stages numerous times.

Djokovic and Murray contested seven Grand Slam finals, with the Serbian winning five of them. Murray triumphed at the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon, two of his three major titles.

Although the move surprised many, Djokovic feels his former rival is the perfect choice because he can relate to the stresses of competing on the most significant stages for the biggest prizes in tennis.

Murray has only been confirmed as coach until the end of the Australian Open. It has been reported that he will not travel with Djokovic for his opening tournament of the new season at the Brisbane International, although that has not been confirmed.

Some interpret Djokovic’s decision to hire one of his greatest rivals as a reaction to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s domination in 2024. The young pair split the four Grand Slams, separating themselves from their rivals.

While many doubt that Djokovic can overtake Alcaraz and Sinner at the age of 37, Naomi Osaka’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, thinks the 24-time Grand Slam champion can challenge if he is motivated.

Mouratoglou argues that Djokovic lost motivation in 2024 after winning the fight for the most Grand Slams between him, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, and that he needs something to light the fire inside him, which is when the tennis legend plays his best tennis.

In an appearance on Andy Roddick’s podcast, McEnroe said he expects Djokovic’s collaboration with Murray to be short-term but hopes he wins the Australian Open with Murray in his team after the Briton’s injury issues since 2017.

“I’m happy. I mean, I’m sure this is going to be extremely short-lived, but for tennis, the interest that it brings to it, hopefully around the world, In a way I’m hoping Djokovic wins it, because Murray needs some more positive vibes.”

A positive aspect of their partnership that McEnroe can see, regardless of how long it lasts, is that Murray knows Djokovic extremely well. Both are also known for being among tennis’s hardest workers off the court.

“And he certainly knows Novak, and they both train exceptionally hard, and Novak’s always thinking a step ahead of everyone, coming up with these crazy ideas.”

Djokovic initially hiring Murray until the end of the Australian Open shows both men are being cautious and seeing how the dynamic works before committing to anything longer term, but that cannot be ruled out.