Andy Roddick believes Andy Murray faces a tough predicament regardless of Novak Djokovic’s performance at the Australian Open.
The former Wimbledon champion from Britain has transitioned from playing to taking on the role of Djokovic’s head coach, with the goal of guiding the Serbian star to his 11th Australian Open title. So far, their partnership appears to be going well, with Djokovic advancing to the third round to face Tomas Machac on Friday.
However, Roddick, a former US tennis standout, thinks Murray is in a no-win situation. He argues that Murray will either be blamed for a disappointing result or receive excessive credit if Djokovic achieves success in Australia.
Speaking to Betway, 42-year-old Roddick said: “Here’s what I think is going to happen: If Novak does really well, we’re going to give Andy Murray – who I think has one of the highest tennis IQs ever – too much credit. And if something weird happens, we’re going to give Murray too much blame.”
Roddick pointed out that very few individuals could earn Djokovic’s trust to discuss strategy in a sport where he is an icon. He emphasized that the partnership with Murray has the potential to lead to even greater success.
He added: “Novak’s not going to change too much from what has got him to 24 Slams and 10 titles in Australia. It’s as simple as this – there are very few people that Novak can sit across from at dinner and talk about tennis and strategy, who understand the moment and what he’s trying to do, and whose brain he respects enough to actually consider their opinions.
“I think Andy Murray is one of those few, so it makes sense in so many ways.”
Murray retired in 2024 with an impressive record that includes two Wimbledon titles, one US Open, and two Olympic gold medals, solidifying his status as one of Britain’s most accomplished tennis players.
Now, his former rival and current protégé, Novak Djokovic—a 24-time Grand Slam champion—is aiming to add even more trophies to his collection with Murray’s guidance before eventually calling time on his own career.
Roddick believes that Murray and Djokovic’s partnership will work out in the long run due to their previous bond from playing against one another. He also noted that it will be a “massive benefit” for the 37-year-old Djokovic as he continues his stellar tennis career.
Roddick added: “The common ground with both is that there was never any stone left unturned. They’re both still extremely curious, despite all their successes. It does help that they’ve known each other for so long.
“I worked with Jimmy Connors and we didn’t know each other before we got together, and while it was a super beneficial relationship, there was this ice-breaking part of it. They can just skip right over that, which is a massive benefit for Novak at this point in his career.”
