Andy Murray reveals unknown secret about Roger Federer that made him different to Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal

Andy Murray has disclosed one key aspect in which Roger Federer differed from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The Brit spent the initial part of his career in the shadow of his three legendary rivals. However, he slowly carved out a name for himself and stepped up to be their equal for a period of time.

Murray eventually retired in 2024, having won three Majors titles, attaining the World No. 1 ranking, and two Olympic gold medals, along with other accolades. The 38-year-old is fondly looking back at his career these days, and during a recent appearance on Stephen Hendry's Cue Tips, he revealed how Federer stood apart in one facet compared to Nadal and Djokovic.

Murray often practiced with Nadal and Djokovic throughout his career. He did spar with Federer when he was starting out, though that changed quickly once he made his breakthrough on the tour. He added that the Swiss ace never hit with his two chief rivals, and Murray's own rise confined him to the sidelines as well.

"I would practice with them, I’d practice with Djokovic and Nadal. When I first started, I would practice with Federer. But after a year or two, he stopped; he wouldn’t practice with me anymore. He never practised with Djokovic or Nadal, I think, because he considered them to be a competitor," Murray said.

Murray loved to practice with them to gauge his own level. However, he usually did that before the start of an important tournament, not during it. While they never hung out socially after that back then, he would love to do that now.

"I liked practising with them just because it gave me the chance to see where my game was at. I wouldn’t practice with them a couple of days before a big match, but a couple weeks out from a major tournament, then I would practice with those guys. I was never going for dinner with them. Whereas now I’d love to do that, see them a few times socially," Murray said.

Murray's relationship with his three rivals evolved over time. However, it is his closeness with Djokovic that stands out the most even today. Their camaraderie eventually led to the Brit becoming his former rival's coach.

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Andy Murray turned Novak Djokovic's coach for a part of the 2025 season

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at the Australian Open 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic's paths were destined to be intertwined. The two were born a week apart, with the Brit being the older one. They even went to training camp together as kids. Their rivalry dates back to their days as Under-14 players, when they met at the Les Petits As in 2001.

Their very first match went Murray's way, who trounced Djokovic 6-0, 6-1. However, the latter had the upper hand once they turned pro, and their head-to-head culminated 25-11 in the Serb's favor.

Their relationship took an unexpected turn following Murray's retirement. Towards the end of 2024, Djokovic hired his former rival as his new coach in light of his split with Goran Ivanisevic.

Djokovic made the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025 and finished as the runner-up at the Miami Open with Murray in his corner. They announced the end of their partnership in May 2025, and remain on good terms even now.