The tennis world is exploding with excitement after Saturday’s bombshell announcement that Andy Murray will become a coach to Novak Djokovic.
Murray officially entered retirement in August – and while he made no secret of his desire to start a coaching career – he was adamant that it would not come soon as he wanted to focus on spending time with family.
Less than four months after hanging up his racket, though, Murray is back and will now help coach former rival Djokovic into and during the 2025 Australian Open in January, in what is initially a short-term appointment.
But what can Djokovic expect from the British icon? Metro spoke to two of Murray’s closest confidants, Laura Robson and Tim Henman, to find out…
‘Andy Murray has an analytical mind and will be focused on minor details’
Robson, who won Olympic silver with Murray in mixed doubles at the London Games in 2012, has hailed the two-time Wimbledon champion’s ‘analytical mind’ and believes that he will be focused on the ‘minor details’.
‘Andy would be a great coach to anyone,’ Robson told Metro in August. ‘I’ve said this to him over the last couple weeks when I have seen him: You would be amazing!
‘He’s got such an analytical mind. He loves the technique and the tactics and all the minor details you can do in tennis to improve by one per cent.
‘He’d be great at working with anyone. I know he has been helping some of the junior guys. He invited them to some practice sessions and he had some time in Greece with them before the Olympics.
‘He loves the sport so much. He would be a huge advantage in anyone’s player box. I can definitely see him working with Emma Raducanu or Jack Draper [in the future]. He’s just got so much advice to give.’
‘Andy Murray has great tennis IQ and is able to coach anyone’
Henman, meanwhile, has lauded Murray’s ‘tennis IQ’ and believes the former world No.1 is capable of coaching any tennis player in the world.
‘Andy Murray could coach anyone,’ Henman told Metro earlier this year. ‘He’s got great tennis IQ, and he understands the game well.
‘Could he [one day] coach Jack Draper? He could coach lots of people. But I don’t want to throw speculation out there.’
Henman believes Djokovic will be desperate to land his 25th Grand Slam title under Murray in Melbourne, as it will see him pass Margaret Court on the all-time list for the most major singles trophies.
‘He’ll want to win 25 majors, just in the context of our sport,’ Henman added.
‘I don’t think there’s any doubt he is the greatest male player of all time. The numbers speak for themselves. [But] he’ll want to get past Margaret Court.’
Who else could Andy Murray coach in the future?
Murray spoke exclusively to Metro at Wimbledon 2024 – and while he was tight-lipped on his plans for coaching – he did express excitement over two British players.
Quizzed if any British youngsters had caught his eye, Murray said: ‘There are a few, new British players coming through.
‘I hit with Charlie Robertson, who is from Dundee, and watched one of his matches at Queens. He’s a really nice guy and I would say he’s a player to watch – he had a pretty good year last year and I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him.’
Murray also spoke highly of the current British No.1 Jack Draper, adding: ‘I’ve known Jack for a long time – he grew up near where I live.
‘We’ve played together in the Davis Cup and I see him on the Tour. He’s a really exciting player to watch and I think he’s got a big future. Jack’s definitely got the ability to go right to the top of the game.’