Andy Murray put in awkward coaching spot as Novak Djokovic eyes Miami Open final | Tennis | Sport

Andy Murray will find himself in a tough spot when Novak Djokovic takes to the court for his Miami Open semi-final. The Brit started coaching his long-time rival during the off-season and has spent the entire month in America to support Djokovic during the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami.

The Serb has rediscovered his form in Miami this fortnight and he will now take on Grigor Dimitrov for a place in Sunday’s final. It’s an awkward showdown for Murray, as Dimitrov is coached by Jamie Delgado – the man who guided Murray to greatness in 2016 and spent five years as part of his team.

Djokovic and Dimitrov will face off for the 14th time in their careers on Friday, as they meet in the first of the two men’s singles semi-finals in Miami. But there’s an added twist to their match this time, as their coaches know each other very well.

Murray has been in Djokovic’s box throughout the fortnight in Miami, cheering him on and becoming very animated in support of his charge. And, on Friday, he will come head-to-head with one of his own former coaches.

Dimitrov has been working with British tennis coach Delgado since the end of 2022, and their partnership has yielded results.

The Bulgarian re-entered the world’s top 10 and ended his six-year title drought under Delgado’s tutelage, winning the Brisbane International last January.

But, before working with Dimitrov, Delgado spent years in Murray’s corner. They linked up in 2016, and Murray went on to enjoy the best run of his career.

He won his second Wimbledon title and defended his Olympic gold medal before going on an incredible run at the end of the season, winning five titles in a row to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking.

Now, Murray and Delgado will be in opposing corners as their players face off for a spot in the championship match.

Delgado was initially surprised when Murray agreed to start coaching Djokovic during the off-season, less than four months after he ended his own playing career at the Olympics.

At the time, Deglado sent Murray a warning about his new job role. “[An] adjustment for a player-turned-coach is the fact that no longer does everything revolve around you,” he told The Times.

“Especially for someone like Andy, who contended at the top of the sport, all the decisions that were made, such as the times of practice, dinner or travel, were geared around him.

“That completely changes when you become a coach. You are now there for someone else and that requires a significant change in your mindset.”

While Delgado is the more experienced coach, it’s Djokovic who has the upper hand against Dimitrov as he leads their head-to-head 12-1, with his only loss coming at the 2013 Madrid Open.

Djokovic and Dimitrov enjoyed a joint practice session on the main Stadium court ahead of their semi-final match on Friday with Murray and Delago in tow. Afterwards, Delgado took to Instagram to share some footage of himself hitting alongside Murray and Djokovic.

“Damn it looks like @andymurray has better court position than me,” he joked.