Breaking; Tim Henman Drops Bombshell On Novak Djokovic’s Brisbane and Australia Saga
Andy Murray’s unexpected coaching stint with Novak Djokovic caught many off guard, including British tennis legend Tim Henman. The tennis world was left in shock when Murray announced in November that he would be assisting Djokovic in his preparations for the 2025 Australian Open.
Despite the excitement surrounding this new partnership, Djokovic’s campaign in Melbourne was cut short due to a hamstring injury during his semi-final against Alexander Zverev. While it remains uncertain whether Murray and Djokovic will continue working together beyond the Australian Open, Murray expressed his enjoyment in coaching the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Henman’s Surprise at Murray’s Return
Murray’s quick return to the sport after retiring at the Paris Olympics left Henman particularly surprised. The former world No. 4 had advised Murray to take his time before making any post-retirement commitments.
“My advice to Andy, when I was asked about it, was to take his time,” Henman revealed. “So, he obviously didn’t listen to that.”
Henman recalled playing golf with Murray late last year, during which the three-time Grand Slam winner appeared relaxed and content. He was enjoying time with his family and immersing himself in his new passion for golf. This made his sudden transition into coaching all the more unexpected.
“I didn’t see it coming, and I don’t necessarily think he saw it coming either. It was a bit of a call out of the blue,” Henman added.
Future Uncertainty for Murray and Djokovic
With Djokovic recovering from his hamstring injury, it remains to be seen if Murray will continue his coaching journey with the Serbian star or explore other opportunities in the sport. Henman noted that the nature of coaching a top player like Djokovic allows for more flexibility compared to mentoring younger, developing players.
“I think with a top, top player, you can be a little bit more selective with the events you attend,” Henman said. “Whereas with a younger player, the commitment is much greater, as you need to instill good habits both in practice and on the match court.”
Watching Murray in the coaching role was a new experience for tennis fans, and Henman admitted he found it intriguing to see how the former world No. 1 handled the pressure from the sidelines.
“For all of us involved in Australia, it was fascinating to see Andy courtside, looking nervous at times but also staying incredibly calm,” Henman observed. “It was fun to watch.”
Djokovic’s Recovery Timeline
Should Murray and Djokovic choose to continue working together, it may be a while before they can return to the court. Djokovic has yet to provide a timeline for his return, but according to four-time Grand Slam doubles champion Rennae Stubbs, his recovery could take months.
“He showed the scan—it’s a hamstring tear,” Stubbs said on her podcast. “That’s a nightmare. That is at least six weeks, possibly two months.”
Despite the setback, Djokovic has time to recover before the next Grand Slam event, the French Open, which begins on May 25. Whether Murray will still be in his coaching corner remains to be seen.
