British tennis icon Andy Murray has opened up about his brief stint as a coach and hinted that he would consider returning to the role under the right circumstances. In an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports, the two‑time Wimbledon champion reflected on his experience working alongside Novak Djokovic and shared his thoughts on the Serbian’s quest for a record‑breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Murray’s foray into coaching began in November 2024, just three months after he formally announced the end of his playing career at the Paris Olympic Games.
He joined Djokovic’s team as a strategic advisor, bringing a player’s perspective to a squad that already included physiotherapists, fitness experts, nutritionists and a host of other specialists from diverse cultural backgrounds. The partnership lasted six months, covering the Australian Open and three additional tournaments before both parties agreed to part ways in May 2025.
During the interview, Murray, who is only a week older than the 38‑year‑old Djokovic, was candid about the learning curve involved in shifting from being the focal point on court to a supporting role off it. "Djokovic probably learned nothing from me," he joked, before adding, "No, I learned a lot and honestly, I would coach again but probably not right now.
I've had a few opportunities to coach but I don’t really want to do loads of travelling right now unless it’s with my family." He explained that the transition required a different set of communication skills. "From a coaching perspective it’s about how you convey your message to the player and how you listen to them. Having kids has helped me become more understanding and see things from another point of view," Murray said.
He noted that as a player, the entire team revolves around you, whereas as a coach you become a small piece of a larger puzzle, tasked with helping an individual reach their best performance. Murray also reflected on the insights he gained by observing Djokovic’s daily routine. "I knew a lot about Novak’s game because I played against him for years and studied his tactics.
It was fascinating to see how his day‑to‑day life compared with what I might have been doing and how those differences shape a champion’s preparation," he remarked while testing a Callaway Golf club on the Old Course. Regarding Djokovic’s chances of securing that elusive 25th major, Murray remained optimistic.
He highlighted the delicate balance the 39‑year‑old must strike between staying match‑fit and avoiding injury. "When you get to his age, playing too much can lead to injuries, but playing too little leaves you under‑prepared for the grind of seven matches over two weeks.
Last year he reached the semi‑finals of all four majors but suffered three injuries in the process. The key is perfect preparation, enough match play, and the right training regimen," Murray explained. Murray’s own career was defined by competing in an era dominated by the so‑called "Big Three" – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Despite battling recurring injuries and undergoing a major hip‑resurfacing operation in 2019, he amassed two Wimbledon titles, a US Open crown in 2012 and back‑to‑back Olympic singles gold medals. He concluded his playing days with a 25‑11 overall record against Djokovic and an 11‑8 tally in finals. When asked why he continued to play after his hip surgery, Murray said his love for the sport outweighed the disappointment of not being able to perform at his pre‑injury level. "I could have retired four or five years earlier.
If the only reason you play a sport is the results, then you miss the joy of training, traveling, competing. I kept playing because I loved it, even if I couldn’t reach the heights I once did," he said. He also emphasized that he left the game on his own terms, listening to his body’s signals.
"I’m happy I retired when I did. It’s better than dragging out a career that feels like a struggle. Now I have four amazing kids and a family I love spending time with," Murray added, noting that he has few regrets about his tennis journey. Looking ahead, Murray hinted at a new rivalry on the golf course with his brother Jamie, who recently announced his retirement from professional golf.
When asked who currently holds the edge, Murray laughed, "Right now, it’s me. He was a very good golfer at 15 or 16, but now that he’s stepped away I think he’ll pick it up quickly again, maybe in six months it’ll be a tough battle." In summary, Andy Murray’s brief coaching chapter offered him fresh perspectives on communication, teamwork and the nuances of elite preparation.
While he remains open to future coaching roles, he prefers to keep his travel limited and prioritize family life. As for Novak Djokovic, Murray believes the Serbian still possesses the talent and mental fortitude to capture that historic 25th Grand Slam, provided he manages his schedule and health wisely. The former world No. 1’s reflections provide a window into the challenges of transitioning from player to mentor and the enduring passion that continues to drive both men in their respective pursuits.