Novak Djokovic has gained a new supporter as Judy Murray has admitted that she’s “got to support” the 24-time Grand Slam now that her son Andy has teamed up with him.
Just months after he retired from tennis, former world No 1 Andy’s quick transition from player to mentor was confirmed as Djokovic announced that the three-time Grand Slam winner would coach him during the off-season and at the 2025 Australian Open.
“We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game changers, risk takers, history makers,” the Serbian said during the announcement video on social media.
“I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray.”
Not too many were surprised that Murray moved over to coaching, but his decision to team up with Djokovic did raise a few eyebrows as they were fierce rivals on the court and didn’t always see eye to eye.
But they have decided to put all of that to one side and Djokovic will hope Murray can inspire him to a 25th Grand Slam title in January at Melbourne Park.
In an interview with The Herald, Murray’s mother and former Great Britain Billie Jean King Cup captain, Judy, jokingly acknowledged that she is now a Djokovic supporter.
“I’ve got to support Novak now. That’ll be a first. I mean that in the nicest way, of course,” she said.
“Well, they’re different characters. The first time I saw Novak was when they were playing in an under-12 competition in France. So, they’re part of each other’s furniture and they know each other really well on and off the court.”
Djokovic and Murray faced other 36 times during their professional career with 10 of those matches coming at Grand Slams. The Serbian won their head-to-head 25-11 while he was 8-2 in Grand Slams, although Murray did beat Djokovic in the 2012 US Open final to win his maiden major and again in the 2013 Wimbledon final.
Djokovic will start his 2025 tennis season at the Brisbane International on December 8, but Murray will only join his camp after the tournament with the Australian Open their first official tournament as a partnership.
It remains to be seen if they will continue the relationship after the season-opening Grand Slam.
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