Last month, the Serbian GOAT Novak Djokovic praised coach Andy Murray’s resilience, telling ATP Tour’s media, “He has a positive approach and has handled the whole pressure very well as it is a completely different situation from being there as a player.” Novak knew exactly what he was saying. After all, Murray wasn’t just another contender during the ‘Big 3’ era, he was the one who dared to challenge Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic himself, standing tall on center court! Yet, during this year’s Miami Open, Novak couldn’t resist a playful jab at his coach. In a cheeky throwback, he recalled a 14-year-old Miami moment where Murray hilariously crumbled under pressure. Want to know what happened?
The 24-time GS winner Novak Djokovic and the Brit Andy Murray have shared a rivalry written in tennis folklore: one filled with fierce battles, unforgettable finals, and unshakable respect! Across 36 career meetings, Djokovic leads 25–11 H2H and 11–8 in finals. They first crossed paths on the ATP Tour back in 2006, with Novak dominating the early encounters. However, Murray soon proved his mettle, grabbing his first taste of revenge by winning back-to-back finals in Cincinnati Open (2008) and Miami Open (2009). Even their rivalry hit full throttle when they clashed in seven GS finals, beginning with the 2011 AO, where Djokovic reigned supreme. Though Murray suffered his third heartbreak in a major, it was only the beginning. The Brit roared back to stun Novak at the US Open in 2012, breaking Britain’s long major drought, and again at the iconic Wimbledon final in 2013.
Fast forward to today, the story has taken a full-circle twist in terms of playing tennis. The two former gladiators are now master and apprentice, as Murray has stepped into Djokovic’s coaching box recently. And during the ongoing Miami Open, Novak couldn’t resist a playful jab at his longtime rival-turned-mentor, recalling with a grin how the Brit once crumbled under pressure at the same tournament 14 years ago.
Recently, fans were treated to a trip down memory lane when the X account of ‘Tennis TV’ dropped a nostalgic video celebrating the rich history of the Miami Open. The clip featured legends and current stars reflecting on iconic moments, but it was a classic doubles match featuring Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray that stole the spotlight. As the video rolled, the Olympic Gold medalist couldn’t help but throw in a cheeky remark, saying, “My coach Andy Murray, we’re defending our lives here in this point, trying to get back in it. Great lob. Now all of a sudden, it shifts and we are at the net and then Andy hits the most awful volley of all time. It was great for the crowd great for everyone. But obviously yeah unfortunately we lost it.” But what’s the real story behind that unforgettable Miami moment, though?
Serena & Venus’ first final
The iguana
…and the first ever Fedal
Players react to some of the greatest @MiamiOpen moments in the tournament’s 40-year history…#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/HDek6zNLqb
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 26, 2025
Back in Miami Open 2011, Djokovic and Murray teamed up for a thrilling doubles clash against Sergiy Stakhovsky and Mikhail Youzhny. Though the duo ultimately fell short in a nail-biting match, they delivered some jaw-dropping tennis on the court. One unforgettable moment came during a third-set tie-break, where they led 7-5 amidst a grueling 27-shot rally. Djokovic’s characteristic resilience was on full display as he returned each forceful smash with unwavering resolve at the baseline. But just when victory seemed within reach, Andy fluffed a routine backhand volley into the net! The heartbreak quickly turned into hilarity as both legends burst into laughter, giving fans a priceless moment on the court.
And despite their rivalry turning into a coach-student bond, the Serbian still can’t believe how fate paired him with Andy Murray.
“Is this real?” Novak Djokovic’s views about seeing Andy as his coach
The Serbian ace and a six-time Miami Open champion, Novak Djokovic, is once again proving why he’s a force to be reckoned with, storming into the QF for the 8th time at this prestigious Masters 1000 event. The Serb delivered a clinical performance, dismantling Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 6-2 in a commanding R16 clash. And what makes this run even more compelling is the evolving dynamic between Djokovic and his newly appointed coach and old rival: Andy Murray. Just two months into their unexpected player-coach partnership, Nole is not only eyeing his milestone 100th ATP Tour title but also showering the Brit with praise for his invaluable guidance!
“Sometimes I pinch myself and ask myself: Is this real? Is this a dream? It’s still surreal in some sense that one of my biggest rivals is my coach. It’s great, we’re trying to get the most out of this relationship and also spend some quality time with together. I’ve always had tremendous respect for Andy as a player, but now even more as a person. He’s such a nice guy and I’m really grateful that he cares about me, that he cares about me doing well on the court,” Novak added after his match against Musetti while talking to Sky Sports.
Since the AO, the former top seed faced back-to-back 1st-round exits in Qatar and Indian Wells, but under Murray’s guidance, Djokovic is back in business at Miami, it seems. As Nole eyes another SF, could this duo finally script their first triumph together?
The post ‘Defending Our Lives Here’- Novak Djokovic Confesses to Coach Andy Murray’s Miami Open’s ‘Awful’ Blunder in a Hilarious Throwback appeared first on EssentiallySports.