Andy Murray has revealed he had to ask for permission from his wife before agreeing to work with Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open.
The three-time Grand Slam champion retired from professional tennis at the Paris Olympics last year, bringing an end to his illustrious career.
Injuries ultimately took their toll on the Scottish sports icon and he was entering a new phase of his life away from playing tennis on a regular basis.
However, his retirement plan didn't last long with Djokovic soon calling him up to ask about a coaching opportunity for the New Year.
Murray, who hinted in his retirement speech at Wimbledon that his next step would be in coaching, wasted no time in hinting that he would be interested.
Andy Murray has teamed up with Novak Djokovic in Australia
GETTY
However, the 37-year-old has admitted he didn't have the final say on the matter.
"We exchanged a few messages and got on a call," he said.
"We had a long chat. Novak asked me to help him. I was shocked, I was obviously not expecting that when he called.
"I said: 'Look, I'm going to have to ask my wife and see what she says'.
"She was very supportive of it. It's a unique opportunity and we thought we'd give it a go and see if I could help."
Djokovic openly admitted to 'begging' for Murray to join him in Melbourne as the Serbian bids to win a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
And the world No 7 feared their partnership was in jeopardy when he learned of Murray's winter plans prior to the Australian Open.
"The way it happened is that I begged him," he explained.
"I said: 'Andy, please be my coach'. Then we agreed and we spent a good eight or nine days preparing in December.
"He advised me that he's going to have a family ski trip and it's going to be the first time he's going to get on the skis.
"I grew up on the mountain, I come from a family of skiers.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have been putting in the work on the practice court
PA
"So yeah, I was worried and I said: 'Andy, please come in one piece to Australia'."
Murray is now working alongside Djokovic in Melbourne with the initial agreement being until the end of the Australian Open.
While the pair share a close friendship off the court, Murray insists it has been strictly business during practice sessions.
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"I'm going to have to ask my wife" 😅
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Andy Murray recalls the moment Novak Djokovic asked him to be his coach after retiring from tennis 🗣️#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/5aYcogZaYz
"At times it's very enjoyable. But high performance is not supposed to be laughs and jokes and messing around," he added.
"In all the times I've been on tour, I haven't seen that from any of the best players in the world.
"I've seen it from some of the lower ranked players, and that's one of the reasons why they're not there."
