Novak Djokovic revealed on Saturday that his retired long-time rival, Andy Murray, will be part of his teaching group beginning on the Australian Open in January.
“I’m thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net with me, this time as my coach. I look forward to starting the season with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne, where we’ve shared many exceptional moments throughout our careers,” Djokovic mentioned in a press release.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who retired from aggressive tennis on the Olympics in August, mentioned: “I’m very enthusiastic about this and sit up for being on the identical aspect of the web for a change.
“I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his goals for the upcoming year.”
Djokovic posted a video on X of him and Murray in the course of the Scotsman’s enjoying profession, jokingly titled: “He never liked retirement anyway.”
The 37-year-old Serb has received the Australian Open a document 10 instances, defeating Murray in 4 Melbourne finals.
Djokovic did not win a Grand Slam in 2024 and has slipped to seventh on the earth, though he did land the Olympic singles title in Paris, a victory he described as his “greatest achievement.”
Jannik Sinner, who will end the yr because the runaway world No. 1, beat him within the Australian Open semifinals and Djokovic misplaced to Carlos Alcaraz in straight units within the Wimbledon last.
He is stage with Margaret Court for essentially the most main singles titles by any participant and would dearly like to overtake the Australian in Melbourne.
Djokovic and Murray confronted one another 36 instances of their careers with the Serb successful 25 instances.
Nineteen of these clashes got here in finals, together with seven on the Slams.
For Murray, two of these main championship duels have been vital.
He captured his maiden Grand Slam title with a five-set victory over his rival on the 2012 US Open whereas, a yr later, he famously grew to become the primary British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years courtesy of a straight units victory within the last on the All England Club.
“We played each other since we were boys – 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport,” added Djokovic on Saturday.
“They called us gamechangers, risk takers, history makers. I thought our story may be over. Turns out, it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”
Djokovic ended his teaching partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March regardless of successful 12 Slams collectively.
Former Wimbledon winner Ivanisevic had admitted Djokovic is “not an easy guy” such is his depth to make historical past within the sport.
“Especially when something’s not going his way. Sometimes it’s very complicated,” mentioned Ivanisevic after Djokovic had claimed the 2023 French Open.
Source: www.dailysabah.com