Djokovic Identifies 'Strange' Aspect Of His Coaching Partnership With Murray
NewsMonday, 30 December 2024 at 08:30
Novak Djokovic will start the 2025 season with a new coach in his corner, and it took some getting used to after he started working with Andy Murray.
The Serbian player was always the one to hire the so-called super coaches. In the past, he worked with Andre Agassi, who is an eight-time Grand Slam champion, Boris Becker, who won six singles majors, and also the 2001 Wimbledon Championships winner, Goran Ivanisevic.
Now, he has added another incredibly successful former player to his coaching box, as Andy Murray will work with Djokovic in 2025. It was a shocking pairing, especially since Murray retired from professional tennis only in 2024.
The two have agreed to work together until the end of the 2025 Australian Open. Djokovic will play in that tournament after starting his season at the Brisbane International.
Ahead of that tournament, he talked to the press in Brisbane, and the 37-year-old player admitted that it was very weird to start working with Murray and reveal some of his secrets.
"Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals. In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court."
"Sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals. But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.”
At the same time, Djokovic was very happy about his partnership with Murray. He was happy about the work they were able to do in the short period that they have worked together, which is exactly why he hired the Brit.
"But the 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional. It doesn’t surprise me because I’ve known him so many years as a player and obviously it’s a new experience for him as a coach and it came somewhat as a surprise to him and me that we are pairing up as a coach [and] player."
Like many former players who now work as analysts, Djokovic recognized Murray's incredible analytical mind and tennis IQ, which will be very beneficial for the 24-time major winner.
"He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game. He has also played up to recently on the Tour, so he knows all the other best players currently in the world, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game."
"So I look forward to it, I really do. I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well."
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