Djokovic And Murray's Relationship Will Be 'Difficult' Because They Are Not 'Friends'

Saturday, 28 December 2024 at 18:28

byJordan Reynolds

Former ATP player Jeremy Chardy has said that Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray's coaching relationship will likely be complicated because they are not friends.

Over a month has passed since Djokovic stunned tennis fans worldwide by appointing Murray as his coach until at least the end of the 2025 Australian Open. He and Murray shared one of the most epic rivalries of the last 20 years on-court.

Djokovic had been playing without a full-time coach since Goran Ivanisevic left his team. The Serbian won ten Grand Slam titles with the 2001 Wimbledon champion by his side, who now coaches Elena Rybakina.

Although Djokovic won an Olympic gold medal in 2024, not having a permanent coach seemed to impact him. The 24-time Grand Slam champion did not win a major title last season for the first time since 2017.

Although the decision raised some eyebrows, Djokovic argues that Murray is the perfect choice because he can relate to competing on the most significant stages in front of millions of fans worldwide.

Djokovic's appointments of Murray, Ivanisevic, and Boris Becker show his preference for hiring so-called "super coaches" who have won the Grand Slam. That is understandable because someone as good as the Serbian does not need a technical coach.

Reactions to Djokovic's appointment of Murray have varied. John McEnroe doubts the partnership will last long, although he accepts that the two former rivals working together is exciting for fans watching the Australian Open.

Four-time Wimbledon semifinalist Tim Henman thinks there could be fireworks because of Djokovic's propensity to direct his anger at team members when struggling on the court, and thinks how Murray reacts to that could be interesting.

However, Chardy disagrees with McEnroe and Henman. He said (via WeLoveTennis) that the respect between the two makes them unlikely to fight and that the partnership could last more than a year. But the Frenchman also mentioned they do not share a friendship.

Read also

Novak Djokovic And Nick Kyrgios Provide Insights Into Their Doubles Team-Up in Brisbane

"They're not very close friends but they know each other so it's always difficult, the relationship will be difficult because Andy was one of the best players and he beat him. And when you're on the pitch you don't see things the same way as a coach."

"I don't think they're going to argue. But maybe! Because sometimes you have to argue, it's good to argue. Although I think they respect each other too much."

"For me, they will go for the full year on the big tournaments and if it’s going well they will continue. It’s not magical, it’s a process, you need to believe in the process, believe in the direction you are taking. If they have decided to work together, it means they believe they can do something really good together."

Murray is not expected to join Djokovic for his opening tournament of the new season at the Brisbane International, where he will play doubles with Nick Kyrgios. The Briton is set to travel for the Australian Open.