Novak Djokovic has revealed Andy Murray as his new coach in a surprising collaboration as the Serbian tennis legend prepares for the 2024 Australian Open, aiming to secure a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

Murray, who retired at the Paris Olympics after a storied career that included three Grand Slam titles and a former world number one ranking, will now guide Djokovic during the off-season and the build-up to the first Grand Slam of the year.

Djokovic’s Decision

Djokovic, speaking to Sky Sports, explained that he spent months evaluating his next steps after parting ways with longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic in March.

“I realised that the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone who has been through the experiences I am going through,” Djokovic said.

The 37-year-old emphasized Murray’s firsthand understanding of the challenges and pressures of competing at the highest level, making him uniquely suited to the role.

Shared Rivalry Turned Partnership

Djokovic and Murray have a long-standing history as members of the celebrated “Big Four,” which also included Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Despite their fierce rivalry on court, the two share mutual respect, with Djokovic noting their quick connection:

“We connected really fast. I was caught off guard as much as he was, but we aligned in many ways.”

Aiming for New Heights

After tying Margaret Court’s all-time Grand Slam record, Djokovic is determined to continue competing against emerging stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have taken over as the new frontrunners in men’s tennis.

“I still have motivation to win Grand Slams and make more history. That’s one of the biggest reasons why I asked Andy to work with me,” Djokovic said.

Murray’s Role

While Murray’s coaching debut comes as a surprise, his deep knowledge of the game and his resilience in overcoming injuries during his career are expected to complement Djokovic’s pursuit of excellence.

The Big Four Legacy

With Federer retired in 2022 and Nadal stepping away earlier this month, Murray’s retirement at the Paris Olympics marked the end of an era for the Big Four. However, his involvement with Djokovic ensures their legacy continues to shape the sport.

Djokovic’s collaboration with Murray begins in earnest as they prepare for the Australian Open in January, a tournament where Djokovic has triumphed nine times before.