Andy Murray revealed during a recent podcast appearance that Novak Djokovic harbors persistent self-doubt regarding his game and major matches, despite holding a reputation as one of sport’s mentally toughest competitors. The disclosure comes from the Scottish former world number one, who briefly coached the Serbian tennis star during the 2025 season after ending his own playing career at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Uncovering Djokovic’s Mental Doubts During Coaching
Speaking on the podcast ‘Served’, hosted by Andy Roddick, Murray discussed his short tenure coaching Djokovic. The 39-year-old Briton explained that working alongside the 24-time Grand Slam champion radically shifted his perception of the superstar’s internal state. Murray noted that as players approach the end of their careers, reflective questions naturally multiply, even for athletes of Djokovic’s caliber.
He expressed surprise that a player he had observed for years as an exemplar of mental strength actually wrestled with frequent uncertainties during training sessions and key matches. Murray admitted that possessing this insight during their playing days would have given him significantly more confidence when facing the Serb across the net.
“¡Si hubiera sabido eso cuando jugaba contra él me habría sentido más seguro en esos partidos!”, contó.
“Djokovic siempre quería que le hiciese comentarios sobre la técnica y eso me sorprendió, porque tiene una técnica increíble y la ha ido mejorando con los años”, agregó Murray.
Djokovic Seeks Technical Feedback from Murray
Beyond match-day mentality, Murray pointed out another unexpected aspect of their player-coach dynamic. Djokovic frequently requested technical feedback from the former Wimbledon champion. Murray expressed astonishment at these requests, noting that the Serbian player already possesses an extraordinary technique that he has continuously refined throughout his career.
The coaching partnership formally began three months after Murray’s retirement in August 2024. Tennis World ES reported that the pairing delivered an immediate highlight at the 2025 Australian Open, where Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in a dramatic quarterfinal match. That victory and the electric atmosphere at Melbourne Park prompted Murray to confess that watching the encounter made him momentarily miss competing on the professional tour.
«Desde que lo dejé, solo ha habido dos momentos en los que pensé: “Estaría bien jugar”», reveló Murray en una entrevista con The Sports Agents.
Splitting Prior to the French Open
Despite the high-profile start in Australia, the professional relationship encountered turbulence in the ensuing months. Tennis World ES noted that Djokovic suffered a notable slump in form following the conclusion of the Australian Open. The short-term partnership formally ended just prior to the start of the 2025 French Open.
Following the split with Djokovic, Murray remained away from coaching roles for the remainder of 2025 before subsequently agreeing to a limited, selective arrangement with 24-year-old British player Jack Draper. Meanwhile, Djokovic continues to compete on the global tennis circuit, with his ongoing schedule and tournament preparations managed independently.
