Novak Djokovic cracked a hilarious joke after the news broke out of him adding Andy Murray for the Australian Open as he referenced to one of the Briton’s post that came just hours after he retired.
On Saturday, the tennis world was left stunned after the two former rivals announced they would be working together in early 2025. As if the news itself wasn’t stunning, the fact that it came just four months after Murray walked away from pro tennis made it even more surprising.
On August 1st, the 37-year-old’s career – that lasted 19 years – came to an end after he and Daniel Evans lost their Paris Olympics quarterfinal match.
“Never even liked tennis anyway,” the former two-time Wimbledon winner wrote on X after playing the last pro match of his career.
Djokovic brings up that post
After revealing Murray as his coach for the first Grand Slam of the year, the record 10-time Australian Open champion had jokes.
“He never liked retirement anyway,” the world No. 7 wrote on X.
He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024
As rivals, Djokovic and the Briton met numerous times on the biggest stages – especially at the Australian Open – where they clashed in four finals – each of those meetings was won by the current all-time champion at Melbourne Park..
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
And after the Serb prevented him multiple times from becoming an Australian Open champion, Murray is now set to help the former world No. 1 try to make it all the way at Melbourne Park in January.
“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net as my coach. Looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy, with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on Australian soil,” Djokovic said in a statement.