What subsequent for Andy Murray-Novak Djokovic partnership after Australian Open semi-final exit?

It was the partnership that shocked tennis.

Simply months after Andy Murray delivered to an finish a taking part in profession through which he was a long-time rival of Novak Djokovic, he was appointed because the Serb’s coach for the Australian Open.

However with Djokovic now knocked out in Melbourne – retiring with a leg harm whereas a set right down to Alexander Zverev within the semi-finals – it stays to be seen whether or not that alliance continues.

Djokovic was non-committal after his defeat, saying each males would wish to “cool off”.

“We both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about the future steps,” he informed reporters.

“I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me, give him my feedback, which is, of course, positive. I’ll see how he feels and we make the next step.”

Murray mentioned: “Novak and I agreed we would speak after the tournament – and we will do that.”

Will Murray proceed teaching Djokovic?

Murray cited spending extra time along with his household as one thing he was going to relish after quitting taking part in, saying: “I’m looking forward to being at home with them consistently and not having to explain to my children why I’m going away.

“They do not care about tennis however they’re at all times asking once I’m coming dwelling. Being at dwelling with them, attending to do regular issues. Dropping them off in school, choosing them up. I like doing sport with them.”

A full-time role with Djokovic would eat into that but with the 24-time Grand Slam champion only playing a limited schedule, prioritising the big events, the job would perhaps not be as all-consuming for Murray as with other players.

Talking when the partnership was initially introduced, Sky Sports activities’ Jonathan Overend mentioned: “Could Murray change the boundaries in terms of what we perceive as the correct player-coach relationship? Could he become more of a consultant working at distance?”

The advantages for Djokovic to retain Murray’s providers are plentiful, together with the truth that with the Scot so contemporary into retirement he can have expertise of taking part in most of Djokovic’s opponents.

Murray additionally is aware of what it takes to win Grand Slams and, crucially, the way to beat Djokovic.

What has Murray delivered to Djokovic’s recreation?

With the Murray-Djokovic partnership so new, it’s onerous to quantify precisely what influence the Brit has had, however a fast look on the stats suggests Djokovic was extra aggressive in Melbourne than he was in his 4 Grand Slam appearances in 2024.

The 37-year-old is hitting extra aces per match on common. That, mixed along with his first serve proportion dipping barely, hints at a extra attacking mindset.

Djokovic additionally usual, and transformed, extra break factors on common on the Australian Open.

It was notable in his four-set win over Carlos Alcaraz within the quarter-finals that he was taking part in extra lights-out tennis and serve and volleying extra, though that could be attributed to a leg harm he sustained forcing him right into a change of tactic.

What has Murray mentioned in regards to the expertise?

Murray mentioned: “It’s a steep learning curve for me. There’s a lot of things you know as a player that are different when you’re coaching.

“There’s much more that you could assist with by way of communication across the workforce. You are not simply interested by your self like you might be once you’re a participant.

“I’ve certainly learned a lot but there’s a lot more still for me to learn, that’s for sure.

“I’m fully aware that the team that is with him has done an incredible job over many, many years to allow him to still be competing at this level at the age that he’s at.

“They’ve all been actually, actually useful to me, actually welcomed me into the workforce. It has been nice to be part of.

“I got to witness some amazing tennis, and one of the best matches that I’ve seen live against Alcaraz.

“At occasions it feels a little bit bit embarrassing due to my relationship with Novak, how a lot folks discuss that or when there is a good consequence that it is as a result of I’ve helped him.”

If not Djokovic, then where next?

Speaking last November, Overend felt Murray would enjoy working with up-and-coming players, especially the Brits, if he were to continue with a coaching career.

Perhaps his fellow Scot Jacob Fearnley – whose meteoric rise included a run to the third round in Melbourne following wins over Nick Kyrgios and Arthur Cazaux – will give him a call?

Emma Raducanu is also on the lookout for a new coach after parting with Nick Cavaday due to the latter’s health issues.

There doesn’t seem any lingering animosity from Murray to Raducanu after she pulled out of Wimbledon’s blended doubles final yr to deal with the singles, denying Murray a swansong at a venue the place he gained two Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.

Raducanu mentioned: “I sent him a long message, basically apologising if I caused any trouble as that’s definitely the last thing I want.

“He is somebody that I’ve grown up wanting as much as and I do not need any unhealthy blood or harsh emotions with him. He took it rather well and responded saying he was disenchanted however he understood.”

They were unable to join forces last summer, then, so how about now in a player-coach capacity? It may seem unlikely but so did Murray coaching Djokovic. Watch this space…

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