Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis legend whose 22 Grand Slam titles have cemented his place among the sport’s immortals, has been savoring a quieter life since retiring in November 2024 after an emotional farewell at the Davis Cup Finals. While he’s traded his racket for a golf club, focusing on his foundation and family in Mallorca, one development in the tennis world caught him off guard: Andy Murray’s rapid return to the sport as Novak Djokovic’s coach. In a candid interview ahead of the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, Nadal expressed his surprise at the blockbuster partnership, saying, “It surprised me a bit that, immediately after retiring, Andy wanted to start a project again where he’d be travelling.” The unexpected alliance between two of his fiercest rivals has sparked intrigue, offering a fresh chapter in the storied saga of tennis’s Big Four.
Murray, who hung up his racket after the 2024 Paris Olympics, barely paused to catch his breath before accepting Djokovic’s offer to join his team for the 2025 season. The move, announced in December 2024, sent shockwaves through the tennis community, given the duo’s intense rivalry, which spanned 36 ATP Tour matches and seven Grand Slam finals, with Murray winning two. Nadal, reflecting on their history, acknowledged the allure of the project. “I understand that the project to be with Novak is an attractive one, and one he would be passionate about,” he said, recognizing Murray’s deep love for the game. For Djokovic, the only active member of the Big Four, pairing with a former foe offers a unique motivational spark. “Also, I understand for Novak to be with one of his rivals—one of his biggest rivals—as his coach must give him motivation,” Nadal added.
The partnership has already shown promise, despite Djokovic’s uneven 2024 season, which saw him claim only an Olympic gold medal amid challenges from younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. With Murray in Murray’s coaching has been praised for its meticulous approach, with Djokovic describing it as “dedicated” during practice sessions in Melbourne. Their collaboration bore fruit at the 2025 Australian Open, where Djokovic reached the semifinals before retiring due to a muscle tear against Alexander Zverev. “This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself,” Djokovic said after a grueling quarterfinal victory over Alcaraz, underscoring the emotional weight of their shared journey.
Nadal’s surprise stems not only from the speed of Murray’s return but also the demanding travel schedule it entails. Unlike Nadal, who has embraced a slower pace, focusing on golf and his academy in Manacor, Murray has dove back into the grind of the ATP Tour, accompanying Djokovic to Melbourne, Indian Wells, Miami, and now Madrid, where the Serb chases his 100th ATP singles title. “I think, in the end, Andy is a real tennis enthusiast and to have this opportunity, he’s taken it,” Nadal noted, wishing the duo well. He sees the pairing as a “good combination,” blending Murray’s competitive insight with Djokovic’s relentless drive to reclaim his dominance at age 37.
The move has captivated fans, with social media buzzing about the reunion of two legends on the same side of the net. “Murray coaching Djokovic? Didn’t see that coming, but it’s pure tennis drama!” one X post exclaimed. Yet, the partnership isn’t without challenges. Djokovic’s former coach, Goran Ivanisevic, warned of the Serbian’s fiery temperament, saying, “He’s not an easy guy… the stress level is always high.” Murray, no stranger to on-court intensity himself, remains unfazed. “Providing that he’s giving his best effort and trying as hard as he can, I’m absolutely fine with him expressing himself how he wants,” he told reporters in Melbourne, signaling his readiness to weather Djokovic’s storms.
For Nadal, the news evokes nostalgia for the Big Four era, which he, Murray, Djokovic, and Roger Federer defined for two decades. With Federer retired in 2022, Murray in 2024, and Nadal following suit, Djokovic stands alone, his coaching choice a nod to their shared history. Nadal, who briefly caught up with Djokovic at the recent Laureus Awards, where he received the Sporting Icon award, remains optimistic. “I obviously wish them all the best,” he said, envisioning a future where the quartet might reunite—not on a tennis court, but a golf course, a prospect he jokingly proposed. As Murray and Djokovic forge ahead, their partnership rekindles the competitive fire of a bygone era, proving that even in retirement, the Big Four’s legacy continues to shape tennis’s future.