Andy Murray says he “probably didn’t get the results I would have liked” for Novak Djokovic when he was coaching his former rival.
Murray, who ended his playing career at the 2024 Paris Olympics, joined Djokovic’s coaching staff last November but they parted ways after just six months.
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In his first coaching role, Murray, 38, partnered 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open and three other tournaments.
In an interview with The Tennis Podcast, Murray said: “You’re not only working with one of the best tennis players, but also one of the best athletes of all time, so I expected it to be extremely difficult.
“Novak, like me, is a demanding character in the way he plays tennis, it’s extremely demanding.
“I look back on it and I’m glad I did it. It was an incredible experience that I had.”
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Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open, but was forced to retire injured in his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
On his return to action, Djokovic suffered first-round defeats in Qatar and Indian Wells before losing the Miami Open final to Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.
“It’s unfortunate what happened in Australia with the injury, but I saw him play ridiculous tennis in that tournament,” Murray said.
“After the injury, it was definitely a tough few months for him, but also, I think, for the team and for all of us. I was disappointed. I probably didn’t get the results I would have liked for him. But I learned a lot about what coaching is.”
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On his first day on the job, Murray was asked to join Djokovic for a race and suffered calf cramps so as not to disappoint his fellow former world number one – a moment he described as “embarrassing”.
Reflecting on his own playing career, Murray said he “would have taken more breaks” to enjoy his successes, including after his two Olympic triumphs.
The best tennis players have expressed concerns on the sports calendar this year.
Murray, hampered by injuries in the final years of his career, voted against increasing the number of ATP 1,000 tournaments by two weeks two years ago and said the increased time spent on the road would have a negative impact on players.
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“I don’t think there’s anything to suggest that players are getting injured more than before. But I think players are more tired and mentally more fatigued than before because they’re spending more days on the road,” Murray said.
“When you’re more tired, you’re more susceptible to pain and discomfort. My feeling is that’s what the players are feeling now, just by being out longer.
“I don’t think the games are that much more demanding than they were 10 or 15 years ago. But it’s the time the players spend on the road that’s the problem.”
