Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s ‘unique’ partnership hailed by past rival
Former world No 4 Tomas Berdych has hailed the “unique” partnership between former rivals Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Djokovic announced last month that Murray, who retired from tennis in August 2024, would be his coach for the off-season and upcoming Australian swing.
The pair were among each other’s biggest rivals at the peak of their powers a decade ago, meeting 36 times – including in seven Grand Slam finals.
Among those battling against Djokovic and Murray in that era was Czech star Berdych, a former Wimbledon finalist and semi-finalist at the other three majors.
Berdych played Djokovic 28 times, winning on just three occasions, while he won six of 17 matches against Murray.
Speaking to Tennis Majors, the Czech Republic Davis Cup captain admitted it would be interesting to watch the “chemistry” between the two former world No 1’s when Djokovic is in action.
He said: “Honestly, this is a very unique thing. I really want to see that in Australia.
“Obviously, I know both of them very well from my experience on the court. The pairing of two in our sport is something that never happened. But these two guys being on the same side will be really interesting to watch.
“Honestly, I’m very lucky to have played against them and now to be able to see them on the same side of the court and Andy in the box.
“Who knows how that might work? But I’m sure that they have all the pedigrees to make it happen.
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“I was part of that generation, but I was still the one trying to reach them, trying to beat them occasionally. But they were really one the closest rivals, and now they’re going to be in the same team.
“I know them and the amount of professionalism that they have, so I’m really not worried that this won’t work. But really, it will be very interesting to see the chemistry between them.”
Djokovic will start his 2025 season at the Brisbane International, which begins on December 29th, before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
The 37-year-old is currently set to be the top seed in Brisbane, where he will also play doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios.
Having fallen to world No 7 in the ATP Rankings, Djokovic may be looking to start earning back some vital ranking points at the ATP 250 event.
Victory in Brisbane would also see him become just the third man in the ATP era to win 100 career singles titles, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.
His Brisbane campaign will then be followed by his quest to win a historic 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Djokovic holds a record 10 men’s singles titles at the event, though tasted a first-ever semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner in 2024.
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