Novak Djokovic has announced that Andy Murray will be his coach for the Australian Open in an extraordinary partnership.
It was just a few months ago that Murray retired from professional tennis after the Paris Olympics.
And he looks set to take the step into coaching heading into next season as he joins forces with Djokovic.
The Serbian tennis icon announced the news on social media with a clip looking back at their career highlights together along with the caption: “He never liked retirement anyway.”
Andy Murray will be Novak Djokovic’s coach next year
PA
Murray will coach Djokovic until the end of the Australian Open at least as well as the offseason heading into the major.
Djokovic commented: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach.
“Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy, with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on Australian soil.”
Murray added: “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open.
“I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
Murray hinted during his emotional farewell at Wimbledon this summer that he would be tempted to step into coaching.
Sue Barker quizzed Murray on what his next move would be and asked whether the two-time Wimbledon champion would be tempted to step into the commentary booth or simply as an observer.
He said: “I’m not never going to come back here!
Andy Murray retired from playing in the summer
PA
“It depends who I’m watching. I hate watching my brother. I find it really difficult to watch my brother play.
“I love tennis. I watch it all the time. I would probably be more comfortable sitting up there in a coaching box rather than somewhere else.”
“It depends who I’m watching. I hate watching my brother. I find it really difficult to watch my brother play.
“I love tennis. I watch it all the time. I would probably be more comfortable sitting up there in a coaching box rather than somewhere else.”
Laura Robson also tipped Murray to give coaching a try having already dipped his toe in helping out the next generation.
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Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have been friends for a number of yearsGETTY
“Andy would be a great coach to anyone. I’ve said this to him over the last couple weeks when I have seen him: You would be amazing!” she said in the summer.
“He’s got such an analytical mind. He loves the technique and the tactics and all the minor details you can do in tennis to improve by one per cent.
“He’d be great at working with anyone. I know he has been helping some of the junior guys.
“He invited them to some practice sessions and he had some time in Greece with them before the Olympics. I think in a way he would prefer a junior, because then it’s a fresh challenge.
“He loves the sport so much. He would be a huge advantage in anyone’s player box. I can definitely see him working with Emma Raducanu or Jack Draper. He’s just got so much advice to give.”