Andy Murray Will Coach Novak Djokovic for the Australian Open After '25 Years of Being Rivals'

"It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board, Coach — Andy Murray,” Djokovic said

Former tennis rivals Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have entered an unexpected new era, as the two recently announced that Murray is set to coach Djokovic for the Australian Open.

In a video montage posted to Instagram with a voiceover confirming that the two are teaming up, Djokovic, 37, began, saying, “We played each other since we were boys — 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond 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 on board, Coach — Andy Murray,” Djokovic continued.

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Via a statement on his new coaching position from his management and shared with The Associated Press, Murray, also 37, expressed his excitement about the role.

“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. 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,” Murray said.

Djokovic, whose 24 Grand Slam titles are the most of anyone in history, won his first Olympic gold medal at this summer’s Paris Games.

Related: Novak Djokovic Sobs in Stands with His Kids and Wife After Winning His First Olympic Gold Medal

"I don't know what to say, I'm still in shock. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold," he said according to The Athletic after his loss. "At age 37, I finally did it," he added.

But it was otherwise a disappointing 2024 for Djokovic, without a single Grand Slam win.

Murray, meanwhile, announced his official retirement from tennis while also competing at the Paris Olympics. He initially planned on playing in men's singles, before choosing to only play men's doubles. Murray and partner Dan Evans lost in the quarterfinals to Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, ending his career.

Related: Andy Murray Jokes He ‘Never Even Liked Tennis Anyway’ as He Retires After Doubles Defeat at Olympics

"Obviously, it was emotional because it's the last time I will play a competitive match," Murray told the BBC. “But I am genuinely happy just now. I'm happy with how it finished."

"I don't know what the next chapter's going to look like yet, I haven't decided," Murray said at the time.