Novak Djokovic has made a coaching appointment that has stunned the tennis world as he looks to reboot his career for a another shot at Grand Slam glory in 2025.
In a move that few saw coming, his friend and former rival Andy Murray will be in Djokovic's corner when he kicks off what could be the final year of his career.
Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray hinted that he may be interested in a move into coaching during his farewell speech at Wimbledon last summer, but no one believed he would make this move just a few months after he played his last competitive match at the Paris Olympics in August.
Working with Djokovic makes the move all the more remarkable, with the duo confirming the shock news that will change the dynamics in the Djokovic camp heading into the first major of the new year.
"I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open," said Murray.
"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."
Djokovic was excited to announce the news as he joked on Instagram: "He never liked retirement anyway."
The Serbian went on to add: "I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach.
"Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil."
"We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game changers, risk takers, history makers.
"I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It's time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray."
Plenty of leading tennis voices had been calling for Djokovic to add a new member to his team for 2025, with his eagerness to compete at the highest level of the game waning in phases of this year.
He has admitted his only motivation during this phase of his career came in Grand Slam tournaments, the Olympic Games and playing for Serbia in the Davis Cup.
As for Murray, he suggested he would look to move into coaching during an emotional farewell speech on Wimbledon's Centre Court last July.
"I'm not never going to come back here," he said looking around Centre Court.
"I would probably be more comfortable sitting up there watching it in the coaching box rather than somewhere else."
Murray would not have imagined when he muttered those words that he would be working with Djokovic a few months later, as the duo who played against each other in four Australian Open finals are set to team up in a partnership that will be compelling to watch.
