Last month, Novak Djokovic made a surprising announcement after he named his long-term rival, Andy Murray as his coach for the start of the 2025 season. While not many might have seen this coming, it was a move that fit both parties. Murray announced his retirement earlier this year after the Paris Olympic Games whereas Djokovic split with his long-time coach, Goran Ivanisevic. This new partnership has become the talk of the town and the former American pro-Mary Carillo is excited.

Carillo has been hopeful that the iconic new partnership can bear fruit instantly. Although Murray and Djokovic have decided to pair up for a few tournaments, they can extend their partnership if the results go their way. During The Tennis Podcast episode released yesterday, Carillo pinned hopes on the two to have a bright start to their partnership.

She revealed, “I’m counting on Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Both of them fighting on what they hate, getting older. But maybe what they love, passion for tennis. I want them to do great and with those two, you just know that there will be no collisions… May all the force be with you and every match be a life-saver battle.”

While the new partnership may have raised several eyebrows, Djokovic explained his decision to hire Murray, The 24-time Grand Slam champion said, “Since I was very young, I have played against him … and there are not many people who have won multiple Grand Slam titles. He knows my game and everything that I have been through very well. He knows the things that are wrong with my game, all of my mistakes.”

As soon as the news about the Murray-Djokovic partnership broke out, there was much talk about it. While many remained optimistic about the duo, former top 10 player, Andrea Petkovic highlighted a major concern about Murray and Djokovic’s partnership.

A big question mark on Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s player-coach relationship

Over the course of their careers, Djokovic and Murray have seen each other as rivals. They have often found each other on the opposite ends of the court and never really played together. As a result, when they decided to work together, Petkovic pointed out a major problem that could arise in their partnership.

She said, “I think Andy will be an incredible coach one day. Whenever you hear him talk about tennis and tactics and strategy he has an incredible tennis mind. The only thing that I [have concerns about] is has Andy let go of the tennis player persona to be there fully for Novak without having his own thing in the way? I have just finally let go of saying ‘I used to be a tennis player’.”

Djokovic will open his season at the Brisbane International, which will serve as a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open. The Serb will then feature in the Australian Open, aiming to win an 11th title there.