Andy Murray has extended his coaching partnership with Novak Djokovic indefinitely, transforming one of tennis’ fiercest rivalries into a professional collaboration and his mother Judy has made it clear how she feels.
The three-time Major winner joined Djokovic’s team during the off-season and Australian Open, with the pair recently agreeing to continue working together.
Murray and Djokovic previously faced each other in finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments and competed for the world No. 1 ranking.
Now the retired British star will support the 24-time Grand Slam champion from the courtside box instead.
Andy Murray is set to continue working with Novak Djokovic
PA
Murray has demonstrated his commitment to Djokovic by travelling to the United States for the upcoming tournaments.
The Brit jetted to Indian Wells on Monday to accompany Djokovic during his campaign and will also be present at the Miami Open.
This represents a significant commitment from Murray, who reportedly isn’t keen on travelling for the entire tennis season.
Despite this reluctance, he appears willing to spend several weeks away from home to work with the Serbian champion.
Judy Murray has shown her support for her son’s new coaching venture with a telling social media response.
When news broke of Andy’s decision to travel to Indian Wells and Miami, she posted on X: “A fine bromance……”
Her reaction suggests she isn’t surprised by the partnership’s extension.
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It also indicates that Murray has already formed a close working relationship with his former rival.
The pair’s collaboration has bemused some tennis fans who previously watched them as fierce competitors.
Djokovic’s decision to compete in Miami marks a significant return, as the world No. 7 has not played in the tournament since 2019.
In recent years, the Serbian star has either skipped both Indian Wells and Miami altogether or only participated in the former.
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Andy Murray coached Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open
Reuters
The pair’s continued collaboration follows Djokovic’s disappointing exit from last month’s Qatar Open, where he lost his opening match to Matteo Berrettini.
Murray did not accompany Djokovic in Doha, but they will reunite in California for the Masters 1000 event.
The pair initially agreed to test their working relationship during the Australian Open, which ended in disappointment when Djokovic retired injured during the semi-final.
“We had a chat the day after I finished,” Djokovic told the ATP last month.
“I expressed my desire to continue the collaboration with him so I am really glad he did accept.”
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Judy Murray is a clear fan of the collaboration
PA
Their arrangement is currently open-ended, with Djokovic explaining: “It is indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together, but we agreed most likely in the States and some clay-court tournaments.”
Djokovic will begin his Indian Wells campaign in the second round after receiving a bye.
The Serbian star will face either Nick Kyrgios or a qualifier in his opening match.
Both Murray and Djokovic will be hoping for a more successful tournament than their Australian Open experience.
Their partnership represents a remarkable evolution in their relationship, from competing for tennis’s biggest prizes to working together towards common goals.