Rafael Nadal was surprised to see Andy Murray start travelling on the tour again as Djokovic’s coach (Image: Getty)

Rafael Nadal  and Andy Murray both retired from professional tennis last year, but the old rivals are taking very different approaches to their post-playing careers. While Nadal hasn’t even touched a racket since his farewell in November, Murray is already back on the circuit in a new role.

The Brit started coaching Novak Djokovic during the off-season and the pair have since extended their partnership. Murray has already travelled to Melbourne, Indian Wells, Miami and Madrid with the world No. 5. And Nadal was “surprised” by one key aspect of Murray’s decision to begin working with Djokovic.

Just four months after ending his career at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Murray joined Djokovic’s camp.

The pair spent years battling it out on the sport’s biggest stages with Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking on the line, so their partnership rocked the tennis world.

While most were surprised by their decision to join forces, Nadal was taken aback by another aspect of the blockbuster link-up.

The Spaniard understands why Djokovic would have turned to one of his greatest rivals for advice, and he knows Murray is a worthy coaching candidate. But he didn’t expect the Brit would start travelling on the tour so soon after hanging up his racket.

Andy Murray joined Novak Djokovic’s team in the off-season and has joined him at several tournaments (Image: Getty)

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“It surprised me a bit that, immediately after retiring, Andy wanted to start a project again where he’d be travelling,” Nadal told the Telegraph.

“But I understand that the project to be with Novak is an attractive one, and one he would be passionate about.”

Nadal is otherwise all in favour of his old rivals’ coaching relationship, explaining how it could help Djokovic stay driven.

“Also, I understand for Novak to be with one of his rivals – one of his biggest rivals – as his coach must give him a motivation,” he added.

“So I think it’s a good combination. I obviously wish them all the best. I think, in the end, Andy is a real tennis enthusiast and to have this opportunity, he’s taken it.”

Nadal briefly caught up with Djokovic at the recent Laureus Awards. Djokovic was there to pass on the Sportsman of the Year title to Mondo Duplantis, while the Spaniard received the Sporting Icon award.

The Serb was happy to see Nadal’s career be honoured, praising his old foe in a red-carpet interview and later sharing his quotes on Instagram story.

“I think he is definitely the right person to receive this award, no doubt because of his success, but also his influence extends and expands on so many areas in life, not just tennis and not just sports in general,” Djokovic said.

Nadal reposted Djokovic’s story and sent his well-wishes to the world No. 5. “Thanks @djokernole for your words!” he wrote.

“It was great to see you yesterday in Madrid, good luck for the tournament and in the season!”