Laura Robson predicted Murray’s coaching role before Djokovic announcement: “He’s got such an analytical mind”

Tennis expert Laura Robson revealed she spoke with Andy Murray before the announcement of his new role as Novak Djokovic’s coach. The former player, who won a silver medal in mixed doubles with Murray at the 2012 London Olympics, said she always expected the 3-time Grand Slam champion to transition into coaching after his retirement.

On Saturday, Novak Djokovic surprised the tennis world by announcing that Murray, one of his greatest career rivals, will join his team as his new coach for 2025. Murray will be by Djokovic's side at the upcoming Australian Open, where the Serbian aims to secure his 25th Grand Slam title.

Earlier this year, Robson shared that she personally told Murray he would be "incredible" in a coaching role. "Andy would be a great coach to anyone. I’ve said this to him over the last couple of weeks when I have seen him: ‘You would be amazing!’” she told Metro News.

Robson had previously stated that Murray might prefer coaching junior players, but her perspective shifted after the two-time Olympic gold medallist joined forces with Djokovic, the most successful player in tennis history and arguably Murray's greatest rival. "He’s got such an analytical mind. He loves the technique and the tactics and all the minor details you can do in tennis to improve by one per cent.

“He’d be great at working with anyone. I know he has been helping some of the junior guys. He invited them to some practice sessions and spent some time in Greece with them before the Olympics. I think, in a way, he would prefer a junior because then it’s a fresh challenge."

Djokovic announced the news through a social media video, revisiting key moments shared with Murray over more than two decades. The two players, born just a week apart, have faced off 36 times, with Djokovic leading 25-11. In finals, Djokovic holds an 11-8 edge, including a dominant 8-2 record in Grand Slam finals.

"We played each other since we were boys. Twenty-five years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits," Djokovic said in the video. "We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game changers, risk-takers, history makers."

The duo is one of only two pairs in tennis history to meet in the final of all four Grand Slam tournaments, a feat matched only by Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. "I thought our story may be over. It 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."