Nenad Zimonjic, Novak Djokovic’s mentor and close associate, has shared his thoughts on Djokovic’s decision to bring Andy Murray on board as his new coach. Zimonjic, who previously coached Djokovic for a short time following his split with Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, expressed confidence in Djokovic’s ability to make thoughtful and strategic decisions about his career.
The announcement marks a significant shift, with Djokovic selecting his longtime rival Murray to guide him in his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open. This collaboration during the off-season is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Djokovic’s game.
In an interview, Zimonjic highlighted Djokovic’s proven track record of making smart career decisions. “Novak is a very smart guy in making decisions, and his career is proof of that,” Zimonjic stated. “Whenever he needed something special in terms of coaching or support, he always made the right call. The results speak for themselves.”
Zimonjic acknowledged that coaching would be a new role for Murray but expressed optimism about the Brit’s ability to adapt. Drawing from his experience as a player and his history with other coaches, Murray is expected to contribute valuable insights to Djokovic’s team. Zimonjic also emphasized that Murray would not be alone in this endeavor, as Djokovic’s existing coaching staff would provide additional support. “Andy will be part of a larger team, and together they bring a wealth of experience. Adding Andy to the mix could prove very beneficial,” he explained.
The possibility of Murray becoming a permanent part of Djokovic’s coaching team, according to Zimonjic, will largely depend on the success of their collaboration at the Melbourne Slam and Murray’s willingness to commit to the demanding travel schedule.
Zimonjic expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that the two players have known each other since childhood and share similar playing styles. Their deep familiarity with one another and Murray’s tactical acumen could enhance Djokovic’s preparation and performance. “They know each other well and have been competing together or against each other for years. Andy’s tactical skills and fresh perspective can be a great asset,” Zimonjic remarked.
Reflecting on his personal experiences with Murray, Zimonjic expressed his best wishes for the partnership. “I’ve been good friends with Andy, practiced with him, and even played doubles with him at a few tournaments. It’s exciting to see this collaboration, and I’m eager to see what they achieve,” he added.
Murray himself has voiced his commitment to helping Djokovic reach peak condition for the 2025 Australian Open. He stated that he is looking forward to aiding the 24-time Grand Slam champion in achieving his ambitious goals.