Novak Djokovic “Yelled In The Face” Of Andy Murray

The hot-tempered Scotsman, who took over as Novak Djokovic’s coach in November, said he fully understands what it feels like to be frustrated on the court. Andy Murray, Djokovic’s rival who later became his coach, said he is “perfectly fine” when the star vents his anger on him during matches—as long as he “gives his best effort.”

The Unique Coaching Opportunity with Djokovic

Murray, the British tennis legend, who joined the Serbian star’s coaching team in November last year, a few months after retiring, spoke to reporters in Melbourne on Thursday ahead of the first round of the Australian Open on Saturday. 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, like Murray, tends to lose his temper on the court, and his coach often bears the brunt of the frustration.

Murray’s Perspective on Djokovic’s On-Court Antics

When asked about his on-court antics, Murray said, “Of course, I’ve thought about it.

“I think I’m one of the few who can understand that aspect of the issue.

“I know things out there aren’t easy, it’s really tense, and sometimes he wants to vent his anger on his teammates and his defense.

“As long as he gives his best effort and tries his hardest, I have no problem with him expressing himself the way he wants.”

Murray’s Unlikely Transition into Coaching

Murray ‘couldn’t think of anything worse’ than coaching Murray, 37, who has won Wimbledon and the US Open twice, admitted he wasn’t interested in becoming a coach until he received a call from Djokovic.

“I enjoy staying away from tour events and I really don’t watch much tennis. I don’t miss playing, competing, or being on the tennis court at all,” Murray said.

“In fact, at that time, I was playing golf. We exchanged messages. Novak texted me just to chat.

“I was on the 17th hole of the golf course, and the guy playing with me asked, ‘Do you know what’s next?’ I said, ‘No, actually, I don’t.’ He said, ‘Are you planning to become a coach?’ And I said, ‘Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse to do right now.'” Murray added: “And 30 minutes later, I got in the car and called Novak, we chatted, and he asked if I wanted to help, which, clearly, I didn’t expect.

“I told him, ‘Hey, I need to think about it and talk to my family.’ So, I spoke with them, and after a few days, I thought it was a pretty unique opportunity and experience.”

Murray’s Final Thoughts on High-Performance Coaching

Murray, who has faced Djokovic 36 times from 2006 to 2022 and lost 25 of those encounters, has only signed on to coach his former rival until the end of the Australian Open.

When asked how he finds this new experience, he said: “Sometimes it’s very interesting. But high performance isn’t about laughing, joking, and chaos.”