Some are uncertain about Novak Djokovic's chances of challenging for Grand Slams in 2024, but former ATP Top 10 player Jurgen Melzer thinks his new coach, Andy Murray, will help him compete at the major tournaments next year.
Tennis fans might savor Djokovic continuing to compete at age 37 even more after Rafael Nadal joined Roger Federer in retirement this year. The Spaniard bid farewell to tennis after Team Spain's loss to the Netherlands at the Davis Cup Finals.
Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer dominated men's tennis for several years during a golden era for the sport. The legendary trio are widely regarded as the three greatest players in tennis history.
Andy Murray was the most significant challenger to Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer in his prime. He secured three Grand Slams, two Olympic golds, the ATP Finals, and the year-end No. 1 ranking from 2012 until 2016.
Unfortunately, a crippling hip injury sustained in 2017 prevented Murray from competing for further Grand Slams. The Briton kept playing until this year's Olympics in Paris, but he was never the same player after that injury.
Seven of Murray's 11 Grand Slam finals were played against Djokovic. He won two at the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon but lost four Australian Open finals to the Serbian in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Murray's lack of coaching experience meant many were shocked when Djokovic hired him as his coach until at least the end of the Australian Open. It is uncertain whether their partnership will continue after that.
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman is fascinated to observe how Murray will react if Djokovic starts shouting at his team, something he regularly does when struggling during a match to try and cope with the pressure.
Melzer is convinced that Djokovic and Murray will be a great partnership. Speaking to Tennisnet, the former world No. 8 outlined how Murray could help his former rival challenge for all the Grand Slams in 2025.
“Novak has to train differently, more intelligently than when he was 30.He can no longer carry the same workload, he has to carefully choose the areas in which he wants to improve."
"A body at his age regenerates at a different speed, that’s why he brought Murray to the team, because he has been through everything in recent years. Andy can be a motivational boost, he can give him new joy from training."
"For Nole, it’s all about the Grand Slams, if he loses at a Masters 1000 it won’t be so dramatic. I think in 2025 we will see him fighting for all the Grand Slam titles."
"I think it’s an incredible combination, which is extremely good for tennis. Apart from the huge headlines he has generated, I think Andy can help Novak a lot – there are very few who have his IQ on the court."
“Even a legend like Djokovic can learn a lot from him, he still has a lot to hear, so now he can discuss a lot of topics with Murray, who can look him straight in the eye. That could lead to a very successful partnership.”
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