Novak Djokovic has revealed that Andy Murray was caught off guard when he was asked to be the Serb's next coach. The 24-time Grand Slam champion surprisingly announced last week that the retired British tennis star would be his next mentor after parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year.

Murray will begin as Djokovic's new coach from the start of next season, with the chance to break records at the Australian Open on offer for the duo. Djokovic is seeking his 11th title in Melbourne and wants to extend his lead as the most prolific Grand Slam champion.

It was only earlier this year that Murray announced his decision to retire from professional tennis. Keen on a coaching role, the 37-year-old has been linked with fellow Brits Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper.

But his first full-time role will be to oversee Djokovic's comeback from a tough 2024. He was naturally caught off guard by the proposal.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the Qatar Grand Prix, Djokovic said: “I was going through a process of thinking about next season, over the past couple of months. I was figuring out what I need at this stage of my career, because I stopped with my [former] coach Goran Ivanisevic, who I was very successful with for many years.

“I took about six months to work out if I need a coach and, if yes, who that’s going to be. We were going through names and I realised that the best coach for me would be someone who has been through the experiences I’m going through. A multiple Grand Slam winner, a world No. 1.

“I was thinking about different people and a discussion about Andy Murray appeared on the table with me and my team. We were like, ‘Okay, I’m going to give him a call’. It caught him a little off guard because 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 as everyone, but it’s exciting for tennis.

He’s been one of my greatest rivals and we’re the same age. We played each other in all the biggest stadiums in our sport.”

Murray hung up his racket after an impressive run at the Olympics alongside Team GB colleague Dan Evans. Injuries and inconsistent form hampered the final few years of his career.