British tennis icon Andy Murray has opened up about his brief stint as a coach and hinted that he might be willing to return to the role under the right circumstances. In an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports, the two‑time Wimbledon champion discussed his partnership with Novak Djokovic, the Serbian’s prospects for a historic 25th Grand Slam, and his own future plans beyond the tennis court. Murray joined Djokovic’s coaching team in November 2024, just three months after announcing his retirement at the Paris Olympic Games.
The collaboration lasted six months, encompassing the Australian Open and three additional tournaments before both parties agreed to part ways in May 2025. While the partnership was short‑lived, it gave Murray a glimpse into the inner workings of a player who has already amassed 24 major titles.
Reflecting on the experience, Murray joked, “Djokovic probably learned nothing from me,” before adding, “I learned a lot, and honestly I would coach again, but probably not right now.” He explained that he has received several offers to step back into coaching, yet the prospect of extensive travel does not appeal to him at this stage of his life, especially when it would keep him away from his family. The former world No.
1 also weighed in on Djokovic’s chances of breaking the all‑time Grand Slam record. Despite the Serbian turning 39 in May, Murray remains confident that another major title is within reach.
He noted the delicate balance required for a player of Djokovic’s age: “If you play too much tennis, you risk injury and you won’t be fresh for the majors. But if you don’t play enough, your body isn’t match‑hardened, and seven‑round Grand Slam battles become a physical nightmare.” Murray highlighted Djokovic’s 2023 season, when the Serb secured his fourth US Open and equalled the record with his 24th major. Since then, Djokovic has finished runner‑up to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2024 and again at the Australian Open this year.
Murray believes the Serbian’s recent victories over Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open demonstrate that the talent and determination are still there, provided preparation and match play are calibrated perfectly. Transitioning from player to coach proved to be a different challenge for Murray.
Having spent his career as the focal point of a team, he now had to operate as a small piece of a larger support network that includes physiotherapists, fitness experts, nutritionists, and mental coaches from diverse cultural backgrounds. “From a coaching perspective it’s about how you communicate your message and how you listen,” Murray said.
He added that becoming a father has sharpened his empathy and helped him view situations from alternative perspectives, a skill he finds valuable when working with elite athletes. Murray also reflected on the technical side of the partnership. “I knew a lot about Novak’s game because I played against him for years and studied his tactics,” he explained while testing a Callaway Golf club on the Old Course. “Seeing his day‑to‑day routine compared to what I might have been doing was eye‑opening.
It showed me the subtle differences that separate a great player from a legend.” The former champion’s own playing career was marked by extraordinary achievements and relentless injury battles. He captured the 2012 US Open, two Wimbledon titles, and back‑to‑back Olympic singles gold medals, finishing his career with a 25‑11 record in finals against his long‑time rival Djokovic (11‑8 in those match‑ups). However, a serious hip injury that required resurfacing surgery in 2019 curtailed his ability to compete at the very highest level.
Despite the setbacks, Murray continued to play because of his love for the sport, the camaraderie of the tour, and the thrill of competition. When asked why he didn’t retire earlier, Murray replied, “If the only reason you play a sport is the results, you might quit sooner. I kept playing because I loved the training, the travel, the competition.
Even after my hip operation I could still compete at a high level, just not the level I was used to. It was mentally tough, but I stayed because I loved it.” He added that he left the sport when his body told him it was time, and he has no regrets. “People are surprised I don’t miss it much, but I’m happy I walked away on my own terms,” he said.
Looking ahead, Murray is excited about life off the court. He is a proud father of four and enjoys spending time with his family.
He also hinted at a new rivalry with his older brother Jamie on the golf course. Jamie recently announced his retirement from professional golf, and Murray quipped, “Right now, it’s me. He was a very good golfer at 15 or 16, but now that he’s retired I expect he’ll get good again quickly, so in six months it could be a tough battle.” Murray’s reflections offer a nuanced portrait of an athlete who has navigated the highest peaks of tennis, endured significant physical challenges, and now contemplates a future that balances family, potential coaching roles, and even a friendly sibling golf competition.
While he may not be ready to commit to a full‑time coaching schedule, his insights into elite performance, communication, and personal growth provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in the sport’s inner workings. For fans eager to follow Murray’s post‑tennis endeavors, Sky Sports continues to broadcast ATP and WTA events, with additional streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app, promising over 50 percent more live sport coverage this year.