‘He didn’t listen’ – Tim Henman reveals retirement advice he gave to Andy Murray before Novak Djokovic link-up
Andy Murray’s Coaching Role with Novak Djokovic Leaves Tim Henman Stunned
Andy Murray’s unexpected partnership with Novak Djokovic took the tennis world by surprise, but perhaps no one was more shocked than former British No. 1 Tim Henman.
Murray’s announcement in November that he would coach Djokovic ahead of the 2025 Australian Open sent shockwaves through the sport. However, Djokovic’s campaign was cut short after he suffered a hamstring injury during his semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
The duo has yet to confirm whether they will continue working together, but Murray has expressed how much he enjoyed coaching the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
For Henman, what stood out most was how quickly Murray returned to the sport following his retirement after the Paris Olympics.
Henman: ‘I Didn’t See It Coming’
Henman admitted that he was taken aback by Murray’s decision, especially given their recent time together on the golf course.
“My advice to Andy, when I was asked about it, was take your time,” Henman revealed. “So he obviously didn’t listen to that.
“I played a bit of golf with him at the end of last year, and he seemed so content—loving his golf, being at home with his wife and kids.
“I didn’t see it coming, and I don’t necessarily think he saw it coming either. It was a bit of a call out of the blue.”
Murray’s Coaching Future Unclear
Henman remains curious about what Murray’s next move will be—whether he continues working with Djokovic or pursues other coaching opportunities.
One factor that could influence Murray’s decision is Djokovic’s selective tournament schedule. Unlike younger players who compete more frequently, Djokovic is likely to focus on key events, which could make coaching commitments more manageable.
“I think with a top, top player, you can be a little more selective as to which events you go to,” Henman said.
“But if you’re working with a younger player, then the commitment is going to be much more substantial—you need to be there, ingraining good habits on the practice court to take through to matches.”
Henman added that watching Murray courtside at the Australian Open was fascinating.
“It was fun to watch Andy there, looking pretty nervous but staying calm. It added another layer of intrigue to the tournament.”
Djokovic Faces Lengthy Recovery
If Murray and Djokovic continue their partnership, it could be a while before they’re back on the court together.
Following his withdrawal against Zverev, Djokovic shared an MRI scan of his torn hamstring, aiming to silence skeptics questioning his injury.
He has not provided a timeline for his return, but former doubles Grand Slam champion Rennae Stubbs believes he could be sidelined for months.
“He showed the scan—the tear in his hamstring,” Stubbs said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.
“That’s a nightmare. That is minimally six weeks, minimally.
“I would say two months at least. Well, then again, he’ll get in his hyperbaric chamber—maybe.”
Djokovic has time to recover, with the French Open set to begin on May 25. Whether Murray will still be in his coaching corner by then remains to be seen.
