Andy Murray has disclosed the embarrassing predicament he faced on his first day as Novak Djokovic's coach, when a gentle run with the 24-time Grand Slam champion left him cramping within minutes. The pair's partnership, announced last year, lasted six months and included a Miami Open final and Australian Open semi-final.
Speaking on the Tennis Podcast, Murray recalled that after a tennis session, Djokovic's physical trainer invited him to join the Serb for a long, slow run in the park. Despite not having run since he was 25, Murray felt unable to refuse on his first day. 'I was like, it's my first day on the job, I can't say no,' he said.
The run lasted about 50 minutes at a very slow pace, but after just four or five minutes, Murray's left calf cramped. 'I can't say anything, it's embarrassing, after four or five minutes,' he added. He completed the run but was in significant pain, later telling Djokovic's team: 'Guys, you need to help me out here.'
Murray admitted he did not want Djokovic to see him struggling. 'I felt like I couldn't stop... I didn't want to show to him, oh my god, this is someone I've been competing against for such a long time and after five minutes, he's struggling training with me,' he explained. He described the moment as 'a pretty embarrassing, embarrassing moment'.
Despite the rocky start, Murray said he could not pass up the opportunity to work with Djokovic, whom he called one of the greatest athletes. However, after their six-month stint, the former world No. 1 said he would not return to coaching soon and is now enjoying time at home.
