Novak Djokovic announced on Saturday that his retired long-time rival Andy Murray is joining the 24-time Grand Slam-winning player’s coaching team, starting at the Australian Open in January. “I’m thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net with me, this time as my coach. I look forward to starting the season with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne, where we’ve shared many exceptional moments throughout our careers,” Djokovic said in a statement.

Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who retired from competitive tennis at the Olympics in August, said: “I am very excited about this and look forward to being on the same side of the net for a change.

“I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his goals for the upcoming year.”

Djokovic posted a video on X of him and Murray during the Scotsman’s playing career, jokingly titled: “He never liked retirement anyway.”

The 37-year-old Serb has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, defeating Murray in four Melbourne finals.

Djokovic failed to win a Grand Slam in 2024 and has slipped to seventh in the world, although he did land the Olympic singles title in Paris, a victory he described as his “greatest achievement”.

Jannik Sinner, who will finish the year as the runaway world number one, beat him in the Australian Open semi-finals and Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Wimbledon final