British tennis great Andy Murray has opened up about his brief foray into coaching and hinted that he would be willing to step back onto the sidelines if the circumstances were right. In a candid conversation with Sky Sports, the former world No.
1 not only reflected on his six‑month stint alongside Novak Djokovic but also offered his perspective on the Serbian’s quest for a record‑breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Murray, a two‑time Wimbledon champion who also captured the US Open in 2012 and secured back‑to‑back Olympic gold medals in singles, officially retired from professional tennis after the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Just three months later, in November 2024, he joined Djokovic’s coaching team, marking a rare partnership between two of the sport’s most celebrated rivals. The collaboration lasted through the Australian Open and three additional tournaments before both parties amicably decided to part ways in May 2025. During the interview, Murray was asked whether he would consider coaching again. "Djokovic probably learned nothing from me," he joked, before adding, "I learned a lot, and honestly, I would coach again, but probably not right now.
I've had a few opportunities, but I don’t want to be travelling constantly unless it’s with my family." His comments suggest that while the experience broadened his understanding of the game from a different angle, the demands of a coaching schedule—especially the extensive travel—are not appealing at this stage of his life. From a technical standpoint, Murray said he entered the role with a deep familiarity with Djokovic’s style, having faced him countless times on court. "I studied Novak’s game for years as an opponent, so it was fascinating to see his day‑to‑day routine compared to what I might have done as a player," he explained. He emphasized that effective coaching hinges on clear communication and active listening, skills he believes have been sharpened by parenthood.
"Having kids forces you to be more empathetic and to view situations from another person’s perspective," Murray noted, adding that this mindset helped him adapt to the collaborative nature of a coaching team, where the coach is just one piece of a larger support network. Murray also highlighted the stark contrast between being the focal point of a player’s entourage and being a member of that entourage. As a player, the entire team revolves around you; as a coach, you are a smaller cog working to elevate someone else’s performance. This shift, he said, taught him humility and the importance of teamwork.
"When you’re the centre of attention, everyone is working for you. In a coaching set‑up, you’re contributing to a collective effort to help an individual succeed," he observed. Discussing Djokovic’s chances of clinching a 25th major, Murray expressed confidence tempered with realism.
The Serbian, who turned 39 in May, remains a formidable contender but must balance match play with injury risk. "If you play too much, you risk injury or fatigue before the majors. Conversely, without enough match‑hardening, you lack the physical readiness to endure seven‑round battles over two weeks," Murray explained.
He referenced Djokovic’s 2023 season, when the Serb captured his fourth US Open and equalled the all‑time Grand Slam tally at 24, yet suffered three injuries across the four majors in 2024, underscoring the delicate preparation required at this stage of a career. Murray’s own playing career was defined by competing against the “Big Three” – Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – during a golden era of tennis.
Persistent injuries, including a major hip‑resurfacing operation in 2019, limited his ability to sustain his peak form. Nevertheless, he continued to compete out of sheer love for the sport.
"I could have retired years earlier, but I kept playing because I loved the training, the travel, the competition," he said. "Even after the hip surgery I could still perform at a high level, though not the level I was accustomed to. It was mentally challenging, but my passion kept me going." Reflecting on his retirement, Murray expressed no regret. "I left when my body told me it was time, and I’m happy with that decision," he affirmed.
He highlighted the importance of a graceful exit for athletes, noting that lingering in a diminished capacity can be more painful than a timely departure. Now, with four children and a supportive family, Murray looks forward to the next chapter of his life. Beyond tennis, Murray has taken up golf more seriously, often playing the Old Course with Callaway Golf.
He recently mentioned a friendly rivalry with his older brother Jamie, who announced his retirement from competitive golf. When asked who the better golfer is, Murray quipped, "Right now, it’s me. Jamie was a solid player at 15‑16, but now that he’s stepped away I expect he’ll pick it up quickly again, so the competition will be tight in a few months." In summary, Andy Murray’s brief coaching experiment provided valuable insights into the dynamics of elite player support, reinforced his appreciation for family time, and affirmed his belief in Novak Djokovic’s capacity to chase that elusive 25th Grand Slam.
While he remains open to future coaching roles, he prefers to keep his focus on family, golf, and enjoying the freedom that comes after a storied tennis career.