Novak Djokovic makes big Andy Murray announcement as schedule change is confirmed
Novak Djokovic has revealed he is hoping to keep Andy Murray in his team through to Wimbledon at least, as he also confirmed a big schedule change from last year.
Djokovic admitted he was struggling to find motivation for large parts of 2024, as he gave broad hints that his tennis career could be rapidly edging towards a conclusion.
His move to hire his former rival and three-time Grand Slam champion Murray to join his coaching team prior to the 2025 season was an eye-catching move and there was perception that it would be a brief partnership that may start and end at the Australian Open.
“I want to keep going, like the same day we finished the [Australian Open] tournament, so I told him that,” said Djokovic.
“For him, it took some time to go back and reflect on the partnership, speak to his people, his family, and see how committed he wants to be and where he can travel with me and work in terms of the schedule.
“So I was very glad when he decided to keep going [for] Indian Wells, Miami, and most of the clay-court season. We’re going to speak after Miami, obviously, but I think the plan is to go all the way till the end of Roland Garros, and hopefully Wimbledon as well.
“I’m enjoying the relationship with Andy. I still feel like we are going through the process of getting to know each other on the court in a different way than we have known each other for 25 years. So it’s obviously a new role for him.
“He’s also exploring it and trying to understand how he can excel in it. I’m trying to communicate as much as I can on the court, off the court, for us to be able to connect better.
“I think we had a great tournament, great run in Australia. I like the way I played, to be honest. It was unfortunate to finish the tournament the way I did it, but it was an injury issue.
“But, in terms of the game, I think I played maybe the best tennis that I played in quite some time. Since the Olympics, actually. So I definitely attribute that to the work I had with Andy.”
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Patrick McEnroe spoke to Tennis365 about Djokovic’s move to hire Murray, as he believes the recruitment of a former foe was a clear attempt to reboot his ambitions as he chases a 25th Grand Slam title and a 100th career title in 2025.
“I think the arrival of Murray in his team is his way to stay engaged in something new and that is admirable given everything he has achieved,” said McEnroe.
“Novak has brought in some great players down the years like [Andre] Agassi, [Boris] Becker and Goran Ivanisevic and I think it’s a way to keep himself motivated.
“This is a guy who loves to talk tennis and not only dissect his opponent’s gameplan, but his own game as well.”
Djokovic’s renewed ambition has been confirmed after he confirmed he is planning to play in the Miami Open later this month, which would mean he spends a lengthy time away from his family in America over the next few weeks.
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