Andy Murray has disclosed that his first day working alongside Novak Djokovic descended into an unexpectedly 'embarrassingly' ordeal, with severe cramp derailing an introductory training session and leaving the former world No 1 “in so much pain” he could barely walk.
Murray, who retired after the 2024 Olympics before moving almost immediately into coaching, joined Djokovic’s team in November last year in what was regarded as one of the most intriguing partnerships of the modern era.
Yet the Scot, 38, has now admitted that his opening 24 hours in the role turned into a minor personal catastrophe.
Speaking on The Tennis Podcast, Murray explained that after completing an initial practice session with Djokovic, he was invited by the Serb’s long-time fitness trainer to accompany the 24-time major champion on what was described as a “gentle” run.
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“His physical trainer said, ‘Novak is going for a long, slow run in the park. Would you mind joining him?’” Murray said.
“I was thinking, ‘Oh my God.’ I hadn’t gone for a proper run since I was about 25. I’d run on court, obviously, but not as part of training. But it was my first day on the job - I couldn’t say no.”
Despite warning the team that he was not in ideal shape after retirement, Murray set off alongside Djokovic for what became a 50-minute jog around a hilly park.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic worked together at the Australian Open back in January
| REUTERSEven at an easy pace, disaster struck almost immediately.
“After four or five minutes my left calf cramped,” he said.
“I thought, ‘Oh no.’ But I couldn’t say anything because it was embarrassing. I’d just started working with a guy I’d competed against for years, and I didn’t want him thinking, ‘He can’t even keep up.’”
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Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PAMurray completed the run in silence, hiding his discomfort until the very end.
“I was in so much pain,” he said. “When we finished I told his team, ‘You need to help me out here.’ I honestly don’t know what happened - whether it was nerves, dehydration, or just that I hadn’t run for a while. But it was so slow, it was embarrassing.”
Murray’s stint with Djokovic lasted only six months before the pair announced their split in May.
During that period Djokovic reached the Australian Open semi-finals before withdrawing with injury, finished runner-up in Miami, and then suffered a run of early exits, losing in the first round of four of his next five events.
The Serb’s form contributed to mounting scrutiny of the partnership, but Murray insists he has no regrets about accepting the role.
“I’m glad I did it,” he said.
Novak Djokovic is still going strong at the age of 38
| PA“It was an amazing experience. I learned a lot - about coaching, about myself.
"I put everything into it. After his injury it was a difficult period for him and for the whole team.
"I was disappointed we didn’t get the results I wanted for him, but it taught me where my strengths and weaknesses are as a coach.”
The former British No 1 has since returned to a more flexible role within the sport but has not ruled out further coaching assignments in the future.
Djokovic, however, continues to dream of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
He will have a chance to add to his remarkable major haul when the Australian Open commences in January.