Novak Djokovic has whipped the tennis world into a frenzy after announcing that the recently retired Andy Murray was joining his coaching team ahead of the Australian Open next year.

Murray, who retired after the summer Olympics, will join the 24-times Grand Slam champion in the off-season and coach him through to the opening grand slam event of 2025.

Djokovic shared the news on his social media channels overnight (AEDT), with an old image of himself and Murray during a doubles a match at the Australian Open way back in 2006.

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“He never liked retirement anyway,” Djokovic said.

Fans and coaches were stunned by the news which quickly overshadowed the Davis Cup finals.

Tennis coach Mathias Degardin said: “No way!!!!!! Murray coaching Djoko hahaha. That’s the best news of the year, I can’t believe it!”

While well-known mentor and former star Brad Gilbert said: “Good 👍 move 👊😎💪.”

Andy Murray’s mum, Judy, reacted with a popcorn emoji, while journalist Puneet said, “No way!!! Oh my God.”

Another fan said: “Is this real life?”

Murray’s representatives also put out statements from both players on Saturday.

“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open,” Murray said.

“I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”

Djokovic has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history while old rival Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals and finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings.

He retired as a player after the Paris Summer Games in August.

“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” said Djokovic, whose 2024 season is over.

“Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy, with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”

Both men are 37 and were born a week apart in May 1987.

They started playing each other as juniors and wound up meeting 36 times as professionals, with Djokovic holding a 25-11 advantage.

That includes an 11-8 lead head-to-head in finals, and 8-2 at Grand Slam tournaments.

Djokovic beat Murray four times in the Australian Open final alone, in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Next year’s Australian Open starts on January 12.

– With AAP