After Novak Djokovic announced his alliance with Andy Murray for the 2025 season, the tennis community erupted in surprise. Djokovic ended his season without titles, aside from a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, and is eager to reclaim his form. This time, he will have his long-time rival by his side, just four months after Murray’s retirement. But how do other coaches feel about this new partnership?

Patrick Mouratoglou, Naomi Osaka’s coach, expressed his thoughts on Instagram. He said, “I think it makes sense, but I was a bit surprised. I didn’t expect it at all.” Having witnessed Murray’s career for 19 years, Mouratoglou understands the player’s perspective. But having seen many players hang up the racquet in his 25 years of coaching, he noted that usually, they look forward to time off the court. “It’s crazy that Andy wants to go back on tour so fast after finally being able to stay a little bit at home. But I understand that it’s kind of a passion and a drug to be on tour,” he added.

During his retirement announcement, Murray cited ankle and hip injuries as reasons for his retirement, including his back surgery that took a toll on his body. However, he noted that these injuries only restricted him from playing but did not deter his passion. “I like traveling. I love the competition, practicing, trying to get better,” he said. So when Djokovic offered him a coaching role, it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. A sentiment that Patrick could understand well, having coached the WTA GOAT Serena Williams for ten years until she retired.

Mouratoglou also mentioned the pressure that comes with coaching. While Murray excelled as one of the Big Four alongside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic, coaching is a different challenge. Especially when the Serb has 24 Grand Slam titles and is aiming for more in 2025, including his coveted 100th title. Despite being of the “same age” and having a “strong relationship,” this will be Murray’s “first experience” as a coach. “Coaching is a different thing. Is it a good choice or not? Time will tell. Results will tell,” Mouratoglou concluded.

Apart from Mouratoglou, other coaches expressed their surprise at the partnership as well, with opinions ranging from skepticism to support. But one constant remains: everyone is intrigued by this unexpected collaboration.

Serena Williams’ childhood coach weighs in on the Novak-Andy Partnership

On December 13, Rick Macci praised Novak Djokovic in a post on X. He emphasized that despite Djokovic’s age and ongoing injuries, the Serbian star remains a formidable competitor. “The best part of his game heading into 2025 is his goat pedigree. That alone wins games,” he wrote. Also being someone who has seen both Djokovic and Murray players showcase their caliber on the court, Macci has faith in their alliance. He added, “Anybody who plays him knows they have a shot but even at age 38 the Serbian Sniper’s racquet fires more shots.”

Nole’s decision to skip several ATP events after the Olympics was largely due to injuries. He withdrew from the Rolex Paris Masters in October and shocked fans by pulling out of the ATP Finals in Turin, where he was set to defend his title. Still, Djokovic is confident about returning to form. “Tennis is still my focus! I am going at full throttle in the off-season. We go for another ride. I just needed to recharge and refresh a bit after an exhausting year,” he said. The Serb plans to compete early next season, with his sights set on the Australian Open.

The former British player Tim Henman also weighed in on Djokovic’s partnership with Andy Murray, expressing surprise at Murray’s quick return to the tour after retiring in August. “I think from Djokovic’s point of view, it is probably a smart move. Andy knows all the opponents that Djokovic is going to be up against,” Henman noted.

This alliance is certainly building high anticipation ahead of the Australian Open. Mouratoglou’s words ring true: only time will tell if this partnership will be a success or not. What are your thoughts on it?