Andy Murray backed to give Novak Djokovic ‘keys to exploit and beat’ Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
Ugo Humbert admits he is delighted that Andy Murray will return to the ATP Tour in 2025 to coach Novak Djokovic, adding that the three-time Grand Slam winner could push Djokovic to win more big titles.
Just a few months after bringing the curtain down on his playing career with his last game as a professional taking place at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Murray’s comeback to tennis was confirmed as Djokovic announced that the Scot would coach him during the off-season and at next year’s Australian Open.
It will be Murray’s first stint as a coach with many believing it was a natural progression for the former world No 1.
Djokovic, meanwhile, will hope Murray can help him to regain his best form as he didn’t have the best of seasons in 2024.
After winning three Grand Slams last year, the 24-time major champion failed to lift any ATP titles this campaign although he did achieve a lifelong dream as he won gold for Serbia at the Paris Games to complete his Career Golden Slam.
There were suggestions that Djokovic could call it a day after 2024, especially with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz appearing to have his number as he finished the year without a major and at No 7 in the ATP Rankings – his lowest position for a couple of seasons.
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But world No 14 Humbert believes “you should never bury” Djokovic as he suggested Murray could be the man to help him to solve the Sinner and Alcaraz puzzle.
The two youngsters dominated at the Grand Slams this year with Sinner winning the Australian Open and US Open while Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon.
“Djokovic appointed Murray because, quite simply, he still wants to win big titles,” the Frenchman told Tennis Majors.
“Murray has bothered him a lot during his career, so maybe Murray will give him some keys to exploit to try to beat Sinner and Alcaraz, who are currently the two best in the Grand Slam tournaments.
“He is looking for something more in Murray to try to win big titles again, because he feels capable of it. Djoko, you should never bury him.
“I think he knows very well what he is doing. You have to be vigilant. I am very happy with this relationship and it will also be nice for tennis to see Murray in Djoko’s box.”
