Novak Djokovic brings Andy Murray into his coaching team after his retirement – the key to Grand Slam title 25?

“Andy was his rival for years and they have known each other since childhood,” the French former doubles world number one told Eurosport France exclusively. “This will give Djokovic a boost and the motivation he needs. I have a feeling we could see a ‘super Novak’ in 2025.”

The two have had a close friendship since their youth. After a year in which Djokovic crowned his career with an Olympic victory, but was unable to win a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017, Murray should be the decisive key to Grand Slam title number 25.

During his active time, the Scot had to assert himself against the “Big Three” of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic could now use this experience when he faces the next generation of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have shown the 37-year-old his limits this year (with the exception of the Olympic final against the Spaniard).

With Murray, the Serb chose a “fighter who hated defeat,” said French Eurosport expert George Goven. He never had the one hard punch or the strength to stand up to the “monster trio”, but was always able to make up for it with fighting spirit and tactical finesse.

With success: Murray was number one in the tennis world for 41 weeks in 2016 and 2017 and won a total of three Grand Slam titles.

Even more than a tactical decision, Djokovic would show that he accepts the situation of an outsider who has to find solutions against his younger rivals, said Goven, who also works as a consultant and coach and once competed in singles and doubles at the French Open Semifinals were standing.

“Djokovic is sending a very strong message,” Goven added. “He tells his opponents, ‘Here, I’m gearing up, I’m getting a little more help to beat you’.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has experience with coaches who were themselves at the top of the world when they were active. He has previously worked with Boris Becker, Andre Agassi and most recently with Goran Ivanisevic, whose collaboration ended in spring 2024.

The other parts of the “Big Three” had also sought collaboration with former stars towards the autumn of their careers. Federer worked with Stefan Edberg for two years, Nadal brought Carlos Moya to his side from 2017 until the end of his career. Murray himself had his best time under the leadership of former world number one Ivan Lendl.

“Who can train someone like Djokovic today? There are only a few personalities who can give him an advantage. He can’t use a few kind words from a coach,” said Goven, explaining the late tendency to become a “super coach”.

Djokovic and Murray are sending another signal to the “young guys” Alcaraz and Sinner: The “old guys” are still there and won’t leave the field without a fight.