Novak Djokovic hires his former rival as new coach

Novak Djokovic has a new coach, and it is one he has played against dozens of times in his career.

Djokovic announced Saturday that he is hiring former tour rival Andy Murray as his new coach. He announced the news in a social media video, where he said it was “time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”

He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024

Murray formally ended his playing career in August with a funny social media post that Djokovic made light of in Saturday’s announcement. Murray won 46 singles titles in his career, including the 2013 US Open and a pair of Wimbledon titles. One could certainly argue he might have won even more had he not competed alongside the likes of Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal for the bulk of his career.

Djokovic and Murray faced off 36 times as players, with Djokovic winning 25 of those matchups. This marks Murray’s first coaching role since his retirement.

Even at 37, Djokovic remains one of the best players in the world. He became the oldest world No. 1 of all time and won Olympic gold in Paris in a highly emotional scene.