Novak Djokovic reveals Andy Murray was stunned by coaching offer as tennis icon provides retirement update

Some have questioned the call, with Murray lacking coaching experience.

Others, however, feel it could be the ticket to Djokovic moving ahead of Margaret Court and winning a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

Sky Sports News approached Djokovic on Friday, with the 37-year-old currently in Qatar ahead of this weekend's Grand Prix.

And Djokovic has admitted Murray was caught 'off guard' when he picked up the phone and initiated contact with his former rival.

"Well, I've been going through a process of thinking about next season in the last couple of months and thinking about what I need at this stage of my career because I split with Goran Ivanisevic, who I was very successful with and worked for many years, earlier this year in March," he said.

"I took about six months to really think about if I need a coach and, if yes, who that's going to be and the profile of the coach.

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"We were going through different names and I realised that the perfect coach for me at this point would be somebody who has been through the same experiences I'm going through, a multiple Grand Slam winner, a former world No 1.

"And I was thinking about different people and then Andy Murray appeared on the table with me and my team.

"And I thought 'OK, I'm going to give him a call and see how it goes.'

"It caught him a little bit off guard as well because he wasn't expecting it.

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"We connected really fast and so he accepted it after a few days and I can't be more excited about it.

"This collaboration is a surprise to me, as well as everybody, but it's exciting for tennis.

"He's been one of my greatest rivals, we're the same age, we've played in the biggest stadiums in our sport.

"And I can't wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season."

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Novak Djokovic explains how his "surprise" Andy Murray link up came about 🤝 pic.twitter.com/s8Wf6NHViA

— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) November 29, 2024

With Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer no longer playing tennis, it's unclear when Djokovic will opt to follow the trio off into retirement.

And he admits he's unsure himself when he'll hang up his racket, with the tennis icon eager to achieve more history.

"Well look, we all know that we have to stop and say goodbye at some point to what we've done all of our lives," he continued when asked about retirement.

"Even though it was expected for Andy and Rafa, we knew the end was coming, both of those saying goodbye to tennis in the same year was a shock to all of us - they're both legends of our sport.

"Roger a few years ago... I still will try to go strong because I feel like my body is serving me well, I still have motivation to win Grand Slams and make history in our sport.

"That's one of the biggest reasons why I asked Andy to work with me - because I still have big plans.

"So long that is the case I will keep going, I don't have any date in my mind or result that after I achieve it potentially I will say goodbye and retire.

"I will keep going as much as I feel like I can be one of the candidates for the biggest titles in sport."