What next for Andy Murray-Novak Djokovic partnership after Australian Open semi-final exit?
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to "cool off" before deciding whether to extend their coach-player partnership following latter's Australian Open exit; what do the stats say about how Murray has helped Djokovic and what could the Brit do next if there is a parting of the ways?
Sunday 26 January 2025 08:59, UK
It was the partnership that shocked tennis.
Just months after Andy Murray brought to an end a playing career in which he was a long-time rival of Novak Djokovic, he was appointed as the Serb's coach for the Australian Open.
But with Djokovic now knocked out in Melbourne - retiring with a leg injury while a set down to Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals - it remains to be seen whether that alliance continues.
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Djokovic was non-committal after his defeat, saying both men would need to "cool off".
"We both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn't talk about the future steps," he told reporters.
"I'll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me, give him my feedback, which is, of course, positive. I'll see how he feels and we make the next step."
Murray said: "Novak and I agreed we would speak after the tournament - and we will do that."
Will Murray continue coaching Djokovic?
Murray is determined to improve as a coach after his first Grand Slam experience with Djokovic.
Whether the pair will continue to work together remains to be seen but the experience appears to have whetted the Scot's appetite.
"I always knew that I would enjoy coaching," he said. "I never thought otherwise, but there's things that I've learned about coaching that was maybe a bit different than what I expected.
"There's certainly areas of coaching that I will need to get better at moving forwards and learn a bit more about - for example, the technical side of the game.
"As a player, I would understand the basics, but not extremely well like some very experienced coaches. Some of the guys that I've worked with over the years have been very strong in that area.
"I think the ex-players generally would be quite good with strategy and understanding the psychology and stuff having played. But obviously there's lots of other areas to coaching as well that I need to learn about."
What has Murray brought to Djokovic's game?
With the Murray-Djokovic partnership so new, it is hard to quantify exactly what impact the Brit has had, but a quick glance at the stats suggests Djokovic was more aggressive in Melbourne than he was in his four Grand Slam appearances in 2024.
The 37-year-old is hitting more aces per match on average. That, combined with his first serve percentage dipping slightly, hints at a more attacking mindset.
Djokovic also fashioned, and converted, more break points on average at the Australian Open.
It was notable in his four-set win over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals that he was playing more lights-out tennis and serve and volleying more, although that may be attributed to a leg injury he sustained forcing him into a change of tactic.
"It's definitely harder playing, that's for sure," said Murray. "I would dispute people that say that it's harder watching from the side.
"I know how stressful it can be out there playing the matches. I felt a lot of nerves and stuff in the build-up to the matches, but when I was watching it I felt like I was able to sort of switch that off and I felt calm at the side and was watching trying to do my job.
"Obviously, like at the end of the match with Alcaraz or important moments, you feel the nerves and things, but not to the same extent as when you're playing."
What has Djokovic said about Murray's efforts as a coach?
Djokovic has been glowing in his appraisal of Murray's efforts, and the 37-year-old added: "There are certain things that I've really enjoyed about it.
"I've enjoyed the analysis. I enjoyed the matches and sitting at the side and trying to understand a bit better what's going on, and seeing maybe how you could help a bit from the side.
"Preparing for the matches and those things is very interesting to me. I like that side of things. So it's been some things that I've enjoyed and felt like I've done well, and other parts that I need to work on and probably wasn't so good at."
And what about Murray's experience?
Murray said: "It's a steep learning curve for me. There's a lot of things you know as a player that are different when you're coaching.
"There's a lot more that you need to help with in terms of communication around the team. You're not just thinking about yourself like you are when you're a player.
"I've certainly learned a lot but there's a lot more still for me to learn, that's for sure.
"I'm fully aware that the team that is with him has done an incredible job over many, many years to allow him to still be competing at this level at the age that he's at.
"They've all been really, really helpful to me, really welcomed me into the team. It's been great to be a part of.
"I got to witness some amazing tennis, and one of the best matches that I've seen live against Alcaraz.
"At times it feels a little bit embarrassing because of my relationship with Novak, how much people talk about that or when there's a good result that it's because I've helped him."
If not Djokovic, then where next?
Speaking last November, Overend felt Murray would enjoy working with up-and-coming players, especially the Brits, if he were to continue with a coaching career.
Perhaps his fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley - whose meteoric rise included a run to the third round in Melbourne following wins over Nick Kyrgios and Arthur Cazaux - will give him a call?
Emma Raducanu is also on the lookout for a new coach after parting with Nick Cavaday due to the latter's health issues.
There does not appear any lingering animosity from Murray to Raducanu after she pulled out of Wimbledon's mixed doubles last year to focus on the singles, denying Murray a swansong at a venue where he won two Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.
Raducanu said: "I sent him a long message, basically apologising if I caused any trouble as that's definitely the last thing I want.
"He's someone that I've grown up looking up to and I don't want any bad blood or harsh feelings with him. He took it really well and responded saying he was disappointed but he understood."
They were unable to join forces last summer, then, so how about now in a player-coach capacity? It may seem unlikely but so did Murray coaching Djokovic. Watch this space…
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