Murray-Djokovic team begins: Gilbert recalls lessons from coaching Agassi – “I can’t think about what I would do”

Brad Gilbert, former coach of Andy Murray, offered advice to the Briton about his new role as Novak Djokovic’s coach. The American recalled an anecdote from his early days working with former World No. 1 Andre Agassi, highlighting the contrast between thinking like a player and thinking like a coach.

Djokovic stunned the tennis world by announcing one of his biggest rivals as the newest addition to his team. Murray, who retired just a few months ago, is set to return to the ATP Tour in an unexpected capacity, teaming up with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

The Djokovic-Murray partnership has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike. Gilbert, who worked with Murray early in his career and helped him break into the top 10, commented on Murray’s deep knowledge of Djokovic’s game and how it might influence his work from the Serb’s coaching box.

Gilbert found himself in a similar position to Murray when he began coaching Agassi in 1994, the same year he retired as a professional player. The American, who had faced Agassi on court several times, transitioned to a coaching role and worked with him for eight years, helping him win six of his eight Grand Slam titles.

“You’re the coach, looking through the lens of the player who you’re coaching. I was like, ‘I would do X, Y and Z, but Andre plays nothing like me, so I can’t think about what I would do. I have to think about what Andre needed to do,’” Gilbert told the ATP website.

The Djokovic-Murray partnership will debut at the start of the 2025 season. The 37-year-old Serb is set to compete in the Brisbane International as his first tournament of the year, using it as preparation for the Australian Open. Djokovic will aim to reclaim the trophy he has won 10 times before, seeking revenge after falling to Jannik Sinner in this year’s semifinals.