John McEnroe's big rival & ex-Andy Murray coach Ivan Lendl joins Hubert Hurkacz's team in shock move

In a surprise move, John McEnroe's long-time rival and former World No.1 Ivan Lendl has joined Polish player Hubert Hurkacz's coaching team. Hurkacz also hired Olympic gold medalist Nicolas Massu as part of his new team for the 2025 season.

After an impressive last season, Hurkacz struggled with injuries and performance in 2024. He finished inside the world's top 10 for three straight years before dropping to World No. 16 at the end of the 2024 season.

The 27-year-old missed the Paris Olympics due to an injury and dropped out of the US Open after the second round. Hours after his withdrawal, it was reported that he had parted ways with coach Craig Boynton after five years of working together.

Hurkacz has now announced Ivan Lendl and Nicolas Massu as his coaches for the 2025 season as he looks to regain his fitness and momentum. Sharing a picture with the tennis legends on his Instagram handle, he wrote:

"Bring it on, 2025! 💪 #team."

Lendl and Massu are not only accomplished tennis players but are renowned in the coaching world. The American has previously coached former World No.1 Andy Murray and guided him to three Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals, and 11 ATP 1000 titles. Massu, meanwhile has previously coached Dominic Theim and led him to one Grand Slam title and one ATP 1000 title.

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Ivan Lendl shared an intense rivalry with John McEnroe during his playing days

Volvo Masters Singles Championship Series - Ivan Lendl (L) with rival and opponent John McEnroe ahead of the match (Source: Getty)

Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe shared one of the most intense tennis rivalries during their playing days from 1980 to 1992. The duo faced each other 36 times with Lendl leading the head-to-head 21-15. They faced 10 times in Grand Slam tournaments with McEnroe only managing to win three of those matches. Their rivalry was characterized by their contrasting temperaments and styles of play.

While LendI relied on hard work and fitness and beat his opponents with his relentless baseline game, McEnroe had a natural talent and was known for his volleys and serves.

The pair first faced each other at the 1980 Milan WCT with McEnroe emerging victorious in a three-set thriller. The rivalry peaked at the 1984 French Open when the pair played a grueling five-setter in the finals. Lendl was down two sets before scripting one of the all-time great comebacks to win his maiden Grand Slam title.