Just in: Tennis rivals turns friends as Andy Murray to coach Novak Djokovic’s after firing his coach but fans would not have it due to…

Breaking news in tennis has left fans divided as Andy Murray has joined Novak Djokovic’s team as a coach, marking a surprising partnership between the former rivals. Djokovic announced that Murray would be working with him during the off-season to prepare for the 2025 Australian Open. This move follows Djokovic’s lackluster 2024 season and the departure of his long-time coach, Goran Ivanisevic, earlier this year.

Murray, who retired in August, acknowledged his excitement for this unexpected collaboration, emphasizing the unique opportunity to work alongside Djokovic after years of competing against him. Djokovic, in turn, hailed the new chapter in their relationship, citing their history as rivals and the mutual respect they share.

The pairing has sparked intense reactions among fans and experts. Supporters argue that Murray’s understanding of Djokovic’s game and experience in high-stakes matches could provide valuable insights. Critics, however, question Murray’s lack of coaching experience and express discomfort at seeing the iconic Brit cheer for his former adversary.

This development could rejuvenate Djokovic’s career as he eyes a strong start to 2025. It also adds intrigue to the Australian Open, where Murray and Djokovic famously clashed in multiple finals.

Former Grand Slam champion and commentator Mats Wilander has said Novak Djokovic’s surprise decision to bring Andy Murray into his box for the Australian Open is an “excellent move”. The former rivals will team up at the year’s first major to attempt to add a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title to Djokovic’s extensive trophy collection, sending a “strong message” to the Serb’s younger rivals.

Former Grand Slam champion and Eurosport expert Mats Wilander has suggested that Rafael Nadal’s Davis Cup exit was the “perfect farewell”, despite widespread criticism of the handling of the occasion.
Wilander described him as a “dream athlete” and “maybe the single most important tennis player we’ve ever had” because of his incredible fighting spirit, which was on show again as he ended his playing career on home turf in Malaga, Spain.
The Swede thinks a return to coaching – like Andy Murray’s surprise partnership with Novak Djokovic – could be on the cards for Nadal, with fellow Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz a prime candidate.
“I have to say that I would most probably disagree a little bit with people that thought that this wasn’t the perfect farewell,” Wilander told Eurosport.
“To me, it was [the] Davis Cup, which is an amazing signal by Rafael Nadal because he could have gone somewhere [else]. He could have even played the French Open and the pressure would have been less and the expectations would have been less.”
Nadal lost his final-ever match, a singles meeting with Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup, with Spain’s doubles pairing subsequently losing to send them out of the competition and bringing the curtain down on legend’s career – without the 22-time major winner actually being on court.