Tennis
Andy Murray’s mother Judy Murray has message for Novak Djokovic
Judy Murray has given her stamp of approval to her son Andy Murray’s collaboration with Novak Djokovic. The former captain of Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team humorously noted that the Serbian star has gained a new fan.
Djokovic, now a 24-time Grand Slam champion, was one of Murray’s fiercest rivals on the Tour for years. However, just three months after the 37-year-old retired, the current world No. 7 reached out to him with a coaching offer, believing he could provide valuable insights.
The tennis world was both surprised and thrilled when Murray and Djokovic jointly announced their partnership on November 23rd.
“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals,” Murray said at the time.
The former two-time Wimbledon champion and Djokovic share a long history as rivals— with the Serbian star winning 25 of their 36 encounters. However, that hasn’t stopped the British tennis legend’s mother from cheering for the Paris Olympics gold medalist.
“I’ve got to support Novak now. That’ll be a first. I mean that in the nicest way, of course,” Judy Murray told The Herald.
When news of the partnership broke, most people were excited and believed there were reasonable explanations for why Djokovic chose to work with Murray. However, some critics dismissed the move, labeling it as purely for entertainment.
Since then, the Serbian tennis star has personally refuted those claims.
Meanwhile, the Briton’s mother recognizes that while they are very different individuals, they share a deep understanding of each other.
“Well, they’re different characters. The first time I saw Novak was when they were playing in an under-12 competition in France. So, they’re part of each other’s furniture and they know each other really well on and off the court,” Judy added.
Djokovic had a good reason why he wanted Murray to be his coach
Following a challenging start to 2024 and the emergence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the 24-time Grand Slam champion acknowledged that his partnership with Goran Ivanisevic had reached its limit. In April, he announced the end of their six-year collaboration.
Rather than immediately seeking a replacement, Djokovic opted for interim support, receiving guidance from Nenad Zimonjic and collaborating with others from the Serbian Tennis Federation.
As the 2024 season concluded and the 37-year-old began planning for 2025, he decided it was time to hire a new full-time coach. He specifically sought someone who understood him deeply and had faced similar challenges.
“I was going through a process of thinking about next season in the past couple of months and figuring out what I needed as I stopped with my coach Goran Ivanisevic, who I was successful with. I took about six months to think if I really needed a coach and if yes, who is that going to be and the profile of the coach,” Djokovic told Sky Sports.
“We were going through different names and I realized at this point the perfect coach would be someone who has been through the experiences I have been through. A multiple Grand Slam winner and I was thinking about a few and the Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with my team. I decided I would give him a call and see how it goes. It caught him off guard a little bit as he wasn’t expecting it.
“We connected really fast and he accepted it after a few days. I can’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, to everyone, but it is exciting for tennis. He has been one of my greatest rivals, we are at the same age. We played in all the biggest stages in our sport so I can’t wait to be out there next season.”
Djokovic’s remarks debunked claims that he brought Murray on board merely to attract attention or generate headlines.
Last week, the Brisbane International announced that the former world No. 1 would be part of their tournament lineup in the opening week of 2025. However, British media reports suggest that his new coach is unlikely to accompany him there.
Instead, the Djokovic-Murray partnership is expected to officially begin at the Australian Open.
Tennis
Novak Djokovic ‘to shout and scream at’ Andy Murray with ex-tennis star excited
Tim Henman is eager to see if Novak Djokovic will continue his notorious outbursts at his coaching box when Andy Murray becomes his coach.
The two tennis legends will join forces next year as Djokovic aims to recover from a challenging 2024.
The announcement came as a surprise, following Murray’s retirement last summer. Although Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was interested in coaching, he likely didn’t expect such a significant opportunity to come his way so quickly.
Djokovic is known for shouting at his box when things aren’t going well. After parting ways with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, Henman joked that he’s curious to see if Djokovic will direct his usual frustrations at Murray in the same manner.
“Who’s going to shout at who? I’m definitely intrigued,” the former British player told Eurosport. “That’s why I want to see Djokovic struggle a little bit in those early matches so that there’s a bit of tension, a bit of adversity, hopefully a bit of shouting and screaming at the box.
“And we can see how Andy Murray deals with it being on the receiving end. But it’s going to be fun to watch.”
Djokovic explained that he was motivated to choose Murray as his coach because the two-time Wimbledon champion shares similar experiences with him. Both are multiple Grand Slam winners and have held the World No. 1 ranking for extended periods, making it an intriguing pairing between two highly experienced champions.
However, Henman was surprised by Murray’s decision to accept the role. While he believes it could be a strong partnership, especially considering Murray’s tactical knowledge, Henman didn’t expect him to take on the coaching opportunity.
“Andy’s decision to coach Djokovic certainly took me by surprise,” he added. “When I saw it on the internet, I had to check the date, whether it was an April Fools [joke].
“But no, I think it’s a smart move from Djokovic, because Andy’s played against all those opponents that Djokovic is going to be up against. Andy’s always been a great tactician, so I’m sure that fresh input can motivate Djokovic.
“And from Andy’s point of view, having just retired in August, I was surprised that he wants to get back on the road that quickly. But only time will tell how the relationship evolves.”
Djokovic’s first significant tournament of the year will be the Australian Open in January, where he will aim to secure his 11th title. Last year marked the first time since 2017 that he did not win any of the four Grand Slam events.
Tennis
Andy Murray’s split from wife Kim, net worth and new TV job after tennis return
Although Andy Murray has stepped away from his tennis career, he continues to make headlines post-retirement.
The 37-year-old, who retired after competing at the Paris Olympics in early August, stunned the sporting world last month by announcing his return to the game—this time as a coach for his former rival, Novak Djokovic. Once fierce competitors, with a combined 145 singles titles between them, the duo is now joining forces.
Murray has joined Djokovic’s coaching team in preparation for the Australian Open in January, a collaboration that tennis fans are eagerly awaiting in the new year.
Outside of tennis, Murray has embraced retirement with several new ventures that have bolstered his fortune while also enjoying more quality time with his wife, Kim, and their four children.
What is Andy Murray’s new TV role?
Andy Murray’s new coaching role isn’t the only venture he’s taken on since retiring—he’s also set to star in an upcoming TV commercial in Australia. According to The Herald Sun, the former tennis star will play an action hero being chased through the streets of Melbourne, with the ad’s climax featuring a dramatic dive through a restaurant window in Chinatown.
Earlier this month, Murray was seen filming the ad in Melbourne, sporting a fake cut on his face and wearing his signature Castore gear, which was covered in mud. Reflecting on the experience, Murray shared his thoughts at the time.
“I’m seeing a different Melbourne this time. I’ve not been around some of these parts before and it’s been good fun. It’s a big shoot. I’ve never done anything like this before because I never had the time. But it’s fun to do something like this.”
The Scot has been honing his golf game with the aim of reaching a scratch handicap. Currently playing off a handicap of seven, Murray made his debut at the prestigious BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth earlier this year. He also secured victory at the inaugural BTJA Mike Dickson Golf Day held at Hanbury Manor Golf Club in Hertfordshire.
He opened up about his new competitive edge in golf, saying (via Wales Online): “It’s a different sort of nerves, because you are comfortable in the sort of tennis environment. I’m not thinking I’m going to walk out on the tennis court and forget how to hit the ball. Whereas here, there’s people standing five metres away from where I’m driving, and I’m like, I’m useless at this game.
“You just want to try and keep the ball in play and don’t mess up too much. I’m obviously getting to practice a lot more than the average person. I obviously played a bit when I was younger, and if I can get the right sort of lessons and practise the right things, then yeah, I’ve got a chance of doing that.”
Did Andy Murray and Kim Sears separate?
Murray married Kim Sears, the daughter of renowned tennis coach Nigel Sears, in 2015. The couple first met a decade earlier at an exclusive US Open party. Their relationship flourished over nine years before they tied the knot in Murray’s hometown of Dunblane. Together, they now have four children: Sophia, eight, Edie, six, Teddy, four, and Lola, three.
Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2009, they faced a brief breakup during which Kim famously “won custody” of their beloved dog, Maggie. However, the separation lasted just six months before they reconciled, prompting Murray to reflect on his priorities and personal needs.
“I work better in a relationship,” he shared, adding: “At the end of the day, especially if I’ve lost a match, I don’t like talking about tennis, so it’s nice to have someone to talk to about other stuff.” Ever since they rekindled their romance, the couple has gone from strength to strength with Murray consistently lauding his wife in interviews.
Speaking to the New York Times, Murray expressed his gratitude for Kim’s support, despite her reservations about public scrutiny. He explained: “She doesn’t like being in the newspapers, and people commenting on what she’s wearing and how she looks, and those sorts of things. That’s one of the things that I guess she’s also sacrificed, a little bit, for our relationship, and I appreciate that a lot.
“You’re in these huge cities meeting new people all the time and it would be easy to get your head turned. But Kim’s always been there for me. She really cares about me and helps with so many things. She always has. That’s why we have such a great relationship.”
What is Andy Murray’s net worth?
Andy Murray’s incredible success on the tennis court has understandably translated into a substantial fortune. With an impressive 46 career titles, including two Wimbledon championships, three Olympic gold medals, and a US Open victory, the Scottish legend has earned over £50 million in prize money alone.
His income is further bolstered by high-profile endorsement deals and sponsorships with brands like Jaguar, Castore, Under Armour, and Head. Over the years, he has also collaborated with major companies such as Amazon Prime Video, Standard Life, and American Express.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Murray’s net worth is estimated at £85 million, though some reports suggest it could be closer to £100 million. A significant portion of his wealth is invested in real estate, including a £5 million mansion in Surrey and a luxury apartment in Miami.
Since 2013, Murray and his wife, Kim, have owned the five-star Cromlix House Hotel in Dunblane, which also served as their wedding venue two years later. Nestled within 34 acres of private grounds and woodland, the hotel features 10 bedrooms, five suites, and a one-bedroom lodge, along with a private chapel, tennis court, pickleball court, and a restaurant led by an award-winning chef. Originally a Victorian mansion, the property underwent extensive renovations under the Murrays’ ownership.
According to KAYAK, room rates at the Cromlix House typically range from £350 to £950 per night.
Tennis
Andy Murray showcases his acting skills in a new TV commercial, portraying a fugitive on the run.
Could Andy Murray have a future in film? The retired British tennis icon might be stepping into the spotlight after a standout performance in a television commercial filmed in Australia.
The three-time Grand Slam champion retired at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he partnered with Dan Evans in the doubles event.
Post-retirement, Murray has explored various pursuits, including participating in golf exhibitions and joining the coaching team of former World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Currently in Australia ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, Murray is assisting Djokovic in his preparations for the tournament. However, he took a break from his coaching duties to star in a commercial.
In the ad, Murray portrays an action hero being pursued from a luxury hotel suite in East Melbourne, through bustling city streets, and into a Chinatown restaurant, where he makes a daring escape by diving through the front window—with a likely assist from a stunt double.
The 37-year-old swapped his pristine tennis attire for a mud-stained T-shirt and shorts, embracing his rugged role.
“I’m seeing a different Melbourne this time,” Murray said. “I’ve not been around some of these parts before, and it’s been good fun. It’s a big shoot. I’ve never done anything like this before because I never had the time. But it’s fun to do something like this.”
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