Andy Roddick fears Andy Murray dilemma despite coach’s 'common ground' with Novak Djokovic

Andy Roddick has spoken out on Andy Murray's coaching dilemma with Novak Djokovic, suggesting that the British tennis icon faces a no-win situation.

Former Wimbledon winner Murray, who retired last year, now finds himself trying to guide Djokovic to an 11th Australian Open title. With Djokovic comfortably reaching the third round to face Tomas Machac this Friday, Murray's coaching skill is already being put to the test.

Roddick believes Murray is stuck between a rock and a hard place, thanks to the pair's undeniable talent. Speaking to Betway, the American said: "Here's what I think is going to happen: If Novak does really well, we're going to give Andy Murray – who I think has one of the highest tennis IQs ever – too much credit. And if something weird happens, we're going to give Murray too much blame."

The 42-year-old did, however, also praise Djokovic's notoriously high standards, noting that it takes a special kind of trust for him to discuss strategies with someone else. Roddick voiced his confidence that the Murray-Djokovic partnership could signal more success ahead for them both.

He said: "Novak's not going to change too much from what has got him to 24 Slams and 10 titles in Australia. It's as simple as this – there are very few people that Novak can sit across from at dinner and talk about tennis and strategy, who understand the moment and what he's trying to do, and whose brain he respects enough to actually consider their opinions.

"I think Andy Murray is one of those few, so it makes sense in so many ways."

The renowned Scotsman retired in 2024 with a string of top titles to his name, including two Olympic medals – making him arguably one of Britain's top athletes. Djokovic, who is Murray's old rival, has racked up an incredible 24 Grand Slam titles, including 10 victories at the Australian Open.

Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Serbian has now recruited his long-time opponent in a bid to win more silverware before making his own exit from the sport.

Roddick believes that Murray and Djokovic's partnership will be a "massive benefit" for the 37-year-old Serbian as he stays at the top of tennis. He added: "The common ground with both is that there was never any stone left unturned. They're both still extremely curious, despite all their successes. It does help that they've known each other for so long.

"I worked with Jimmy Connors and we didn't know each other before we got together, and while it was a super beneficial relationship, there was this ice-breaking part of it. They can just skip right over that, which is a massive benefit for Novak at this point in his career."

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