British tennis great Andy Murray recently opened up about his brief stint as a coach and hinted that he would consider returning to the role under the right circumstances. In a candid conversation with Sky Sports, Murray reflected on his six‑month partnership with Novak Djokovic, discussed the Serbian’s chances of clinching a historic 25th Grand Slam, and shared personal thoughts on life after professional tennis.
Murray, a two‑time Wimbledon champion and 2012 US Open winner who also secured back‑to‑back Olympic singles gold medals, officially ended his playing career at the Paris Olympics in August 2024. Just three months later, in November, he joined Djokovic’s coaching team, stepping into a support role for the 24‑time major champion. Their collaboration spanned the Australian Open and three additional tournaments before they amicably decided to part ways in May 2025.
When asked whether he would coach again, Murray smiled and said, “I’ve had a few opportunities, but I’m not keen to spend a lot of time travelling unless it’s with my family.” He added, “Djokovic probably didn’t learn much from me, but I learned a great deal. I would coach again, just not at the moment.” The former world No.
1 explained that working alongside Djokovic gave him a fresh perspective on the daily routines of a top‑level player. “I knew a lot about Novak’s game because I played against him for years and studied his patterns.
Seeing his day‑to‑day schedule compared with what my own life looked like was fascinating,” Murray said. He highlighted that coaching demands a different skill set, especially in communication and listening. "Having kids has helped me become more empathetic and to see things from another’s point of view," he noted, suggesting that parenthood has sharpened his ability to convey ideas clearly. Murray also described the shift from being the focal point of a team as a player to becoming a small but essential part of a larger coaching staff.
"When you’re the player, everyone works for you. As a coach, you’re one piece of a puzzle that includes physios, fitness trainers, nutritionists and analysts," he observed. He praised Djokovic’s diverse support crew, noting that the multicultural mix of specialists exposed him to new ways of thinking and highlighted areas where he could improve as a future coach.
Regarding Djokovic’s quest for a record‑breaking 25th major, Murray expressed confidence. “I think he can do it,” he affirmed.
He explained that the challenge for a 38‑year‑old athlete is balancing match play with injury risk. “If you play too much, you risk injury or fatigue; if you play too little, you’re not match‑hardened enough to endure seven best‑of‑five matches over two weeks,” Murray said. He cited Djokovic’s 2023 US Open triumph, which gave him a fourth US Open crown and tied the all‑time Grand Slam tally at 24, as evidence of his enduring quality.
Though Djokovic fell short at Wimbledon 2024 and the Australian Open this year, Murray believes the Serbian’s recent victories over Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner show he still possesses the fire to break the record. Murray also reflected on his own playing career, which unfolded during the so‑called "Big Three" era alongside Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
Persistent injuries, including a major hip‑resurfacing operation in 2019, limited his ability to recapture his peak form. Yet he never quit for the sake of results alone. "I could have retired earlier, but I kept playing because I loved the sport," he said. "I loved the training, the travel, the competition.
Even after my hip surgery I could still compete at a high level, just not the level I was accustomed to before." He emphasized that leaving the tour on his own terms gave him peace of mind. "I’m happy I stepped away when my body told me it was time.
I don’t miss it as much as people expect, and I have no regrets," Murray explained. He highlighted the importance of a clean exit for an athlete, noting that lingering in a declining phase can be mentally draining. Now, with four children and a supportive partner, Murray looks forward to the next chapter of his life. Outside tennis, Murray has taken up golf more seriously, often playing the Old Course with Callaway clubs.
He recently joked about competing with his brother Jamie, who announced his retirement from competitive golf. "Right now, I’m the better golfer," Murray quipped, adding that Jamie could quickly catch up once he refocuses on the sport. Looking ahead, Murray hinted that he may explore occasional coaching roles, perhaps with younger British players, but only if the schedule allows him to stay close to family.
He also mentioned potential involvement in tennis commentary and ambassadorial duties, leveraging his experience to inspire the next generation. In summary, Andy Murray’s foray into coaching was brief but enlightening. He walked away with new insights about communication, teamwork, and the nuances of supporting a legend like Novak Djokovic. While he is open to future coaching opportunities, his priority remains family and a balanced lifestyle.
Meanwhile, he remains optimistic about Djokovic’s ability to secure that elusive 25th Grand Slam, believing that the right blend of preparation, match play, and injury management could see the Serbian conquer the record in the coming years.