Australian Open 2025

Dates: 12-26 January Venue: Melbourne Park

Coverage: Live radio commentary on Tennis Breakfast from 07:00 GMT on BBC 5 Sports Extra, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app

Andy Murray says he could not turn down the “unique opportunity” to coach his long-time rival Novak Djokovic at the upcoming Australian Open.

Speaking for the first time about the partnership, Murray revealed he had the unexpected conversation with Djokovic during a phone call in his car – shortly after telling a golfing partner he had no desire to move into coaching yet.

The 37-year-old Briton only retired from playing professionally in August.

After discussing the proposal with his family, Murray agreed to help Djokovic on a trial basis in Melbourne.

Serbia’s Djokovic is aiming to win a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, as well as a 25th major which would put him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of all-time victories.

“[Novak] asked if I would be interested in helping, which I obviously wasn’t expecting,” said Murray.

“I said to him: ‘Look, I need to think about it and talk to my family.’

“So I spoke to them, and after a couple of days, I thought that it was a pretty unique opportunity and experience.

“I thought it would be a good idea to try it.”