Novak Djokovic will start the 2025 season under the tutelage of Andy Murray. Murray is a former player who retired from the sport midway through the 2024 season after the Wimbledon Championships, where he was a two-time champion. He’s the same age as Djokovic and didn’t have the best time against him as a player, winning only 11 of the 36 matches they played.
So why is he going to be the coach of Novak Djokovic? According to notable tennis coach Brad Gilbert, who worked with many legendary players such as Andre Agassi, there are a few things that contributed to that choice. In his mind, it’s simply a good fit and an injection of motivation, which Djokovic has lacked for a while.
“Andy knows a lot about Novak, knows a lot about the players who Novak is going to be chasing. But I think more than anything, where Novak is, you’ve got these two huge, young guys now [Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz] who have just really elevated and I think Novak probably feels like he needs a little bit and I think most importantly, needs that motivation,” Gilbert said (via ATP Tour).
Murray is known as one of the more tremendous motivators on tour because he motivated himself to get back to the sport he loves even after undergoing hip surgery and formally announcing retirement.
Very few would dare to do that, but Murray never lacked motivation, and that type of drive is something Djokovic needs. Many have pointed out how flat he looked after Roland Garros, which was in part attributed to a possible lack of motivation.
Novak Djokovic’s offseason
Very little is known about Novak Djokovic’s offseason plans as of now because neither he nor Murray have really talked about it. He’s been very busy though, as he spent time in Qatar for the Formula One Race there. He also went to Argentina to play in Juan Martin Del Potro’s farewell match.
There is plenty of time until the new season but sooner or later Djokovic will have to do some heavy practicing because Murray was known for his dedication to both fitness and practice. Some have suggested that they might set up a base in Miami where Murray often prepared ahead of the Australian summer, but as of now there are no official plans.
Djokovic isn’t expected to take part in any of the Middle East exhibitions that are coming up in about two weeks’ time.