Andy Murray recently shared a hilarious story about how Novak Djokovic approached him to become his coach.

It all started when Murray received an unexpected call from the Serbian tennis legend, asking if he’d consider joining his team.

The Funny Response

Murray, who’s now retired from professional tennis, revealed that his first reaction was shock. He was in complete disbelief when Djokovic made the request.

“I was shocked,” Murray told fans at the Rod Laver Arena.

“I was obviously not expecting that when he called. I said: ‘Look, I’m going to have to ask my wife.'”

The audience erupted in laughter as he continued, “She was really supportive of it, and we thought it was a pretty unique opportunity, so we’d give it a go and see if I can help.”

An Unlikely Role

Murray’s role at Melbourne Park this week is drastically different from his usual one as a player.

He’s helping Djokovic prepare for the upcoming Australian Open, a position he never saw himself in.

The 37-year-old Scotsman announced his retirement from professional tennis last year, making this coaching gig even more surprising.

Although he was hesitant to take on the role at first, the offer came from a former rival and friend.

Joking About His Past at Melbourne Park

Murray also reflected on his painful history at the Australian Open, a tournament he’s reached the final of five times but has never won.

Four of those defeats came at the hands of Djokovic, which Murray humorously pointed out.

“Yeah, I played here quite a few times, could never quite get it over the line,” he said with a smile.

“This man [nodding to Djokovic] is single-handedly responsible for that. I’m now here to try and sabotage his chances of winning another one,” he joked.

A Return to the Court

During the charity event, Murray made a surprise appearance on the court for a friendly match with Djokovic, Victoria Azarenka, and Zheng Qinwen.

He proved that once a champion, always a champion, delivering an impressive volley that Djokovic couldn’t return.

However, he didn’t escape the playful banter from his fellow competitors.

Azarenka jokingly suggested to Djokovic, “Can I substitute your son for Andy? I’ve heard he’s a very good player.”

Djokovic, in the same lighthearted spirit, responded, “I think he would do better than Andy.”

The Surprising Call

Murray also revealed the unusual setting in which he found out about Djokovic’s coaching request.

He was on the 17th hole of a golf course when his playing partner casually asked, “Do you have any plans to do any coaching?”

Murray admitted that his initial response was a firm “No,” saying, “Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse to do right now.”

Yet, just 30 minutes later, he found himself calling Djokovic to discuss the opportunity.

It’s clear that this unexpected coaching gig has taken Murray on a surprising new journey, one that might bring even more laughs, challenges, and unforgettable moments in the world of tennis.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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