LONDON — Andy Murray said he was “disappointed” with his former rival Novak Djokovic’s performance during his time coaching him.
Murray joined Djokovic’s coaching team in November 2024, just three months after the 38-year-old Scot ended his playing career at the Paris Olympics.
However, the partnership turned out to be short-lived, lasting just six months, as the pair were only together this year for the Australian Open and five other tournaments.
“Looking back, I’m glad I did it,” Murray told The Tennis Podcast.
“It was a great experience. It didn’t last long, but he gave it his all. It was disappointing. It probably didn’t turn out the way he wanted.”
“I had always wanted to coach someday, so it was a good opportunity. If I hadn’t taken the opportunity, looking back, it might have been really interesting, I might have learned a lot, and I might have regretted it.”
Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open to reach the semifinals, but tore his left hamstring in the process. The 24-time Grand Slam champion withdrew after one set against Alexander Zverev and was booed from the court.
Since returning, the 38-year-old Serbian has lost his opening matches in Qatar and Indian Wells. He then reached the Miami Open final, but lost to Czech teenager Jakub Mencik.
Murray was originally scheduled to coach Djokovic all the way to the French Open, but they ended their partnership in May after losing their first matches on clay in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
“He started off well and it was unfortunate that the injury happened in Australia, but I watched him play some hell of tennis in that tournament,” Murray said.
“The months after the injury were certainly difficult for him, but I think they were for the team and all of us as well. I learned a lot about what coaching is all about. I was fully invested, tried to help to the best of my ability, and built a good relationship with his team in the process.”
