Djokovic: Murray is 'perfect' coach to help execute 'big plans'

Novak Djokovic believes former rival Andy Murray is the "perfect" coach for him at this stage of his career as he still has "big plans".

The Serb, a 24-time grand slam winner, announced last week that Murray, who retired after the Paris Olympics, would be working with him during the off-season and through the Australian Open.

Djokovic failed to win a major title for the first time since 2017, though he did clinch a long-awaited Olympic gold medal in August. It is also the first time since 2005 that he did not win an ATP event despite reaching two finals.

Djokovic admitted Murray did not agree to the role straight away, but he thinks it is the best decision he could have come to.

"I took about six months to figure out what I needed at this stage of my career," he told Sky Sports.

"I realised the perfect coach would be someone who has been through the experiences I'm going through, possibly a multiple grand slam winner and world number one.

He never liked retirement anyway. pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024

"We discussed Andy Murray, and I said I would give him a call and see how it goes. It caught him a little off guard. We connected really fast, and he accepted after a few days.

"I couldn't be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to everyone, including me, but it's exciting for tennis."

Djokovic is currently level with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles by any player and needs one more to become the outright leader.

He has a good record in Australia, winning 10 times in Melbourne, beating Murray in four of those finals, with the first major of next season starting on January 12.

The 37-year-old is the only one of the 'Big Four' still playing after Murray and Rafael Nadal's retirements this year, and Roger Federer's in 2022, but he shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

"We all know we have to stop and say goodbye at some point," he added. "Even though it was expected for Rafa and Andy, both of them saying farewell to the sport is a shock for all of us.

"My body is serving me well; I still have motivation to win grand slams. The reason I asked Andy to work with me is because I still have big plans.

"I'll keep going as much as I can feel like I can keep being a candidate for the biggest titles."