Novak Djokovic has found an unexpected ally in Judy Murray, who recently shared her support for the Serbian tennis legend following her son Andy Murray’s decision to join Djokovic’s team. Now that Andy has stepped into the role of coach for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Judy has expressed that she “got to support Novak now,” even if it’s a bit of a first for her.
Andy, who retired from professional tennis just months ago, has wasted no time in transitioning into his new coaching role. His appointment was officially announced by Djokovic, who revealed that Andy would be working with him during the off-season and at the 2025 Australian Open. “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game changers, risk takers, history makers,” Djokovic reflected in a heartfelt announcement on social media.
Djokovic’s excitement was evident as he added, “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray.”
While Murray’s shift into coaching wasn’t a major surprise, the decision to join forces with Djokovic certainly raised some eyebrows. Given their intense rivalry over the years, including some unforgettable clashes, the partnership seemed unlikely. The two have often had opposing views, both on and off the court. However, they’ve now chosen to put their differences behind them, with Djokovic hoping that Andy’s mentorship will help him secure a 25th Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open in January.
In a playful interview with The Herald, Judy Murray acknowledged her new position as a Djokovic supporter, admitting, “I’ve got to support Novak now. That’ll be a first. I mean that in the nicest way, of course.” She also reminisced about the early days of their rivalry, adding, “Well, they’re different characters. The first time I saw Novak was when they were playing in an under-12 competition in France. So, they’re part of each other’s furniture, and they know each other really well on and off the court.”
Over the course of their careers, Djokovic and Murray have faced each other 36 times, with the Serbian leading their head-to-head 25-11, including an 8-2 record in Grand Slam encounters. However, Murray did secure two significant victories over Djokovic: first at the 2012 US Open final, where he won his maiden Grand Slam, and again at the 2013 Wimbledon final.
As the 2025 season kicks off, Djokovic will begin his campaign at the Brisbane International in December. However, Murray will officially join his team after the tournament, with the Australian Open marking their first official tournament together as a coaching duo. The future of their partnership will likely be determined by how they perform in Melbourne, but for now, the tennis world eagerly anticipates this new chapter in their remarkable relationship.