Carlos Alcaraz makes his feelings clear on Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray partnership
Carlos Alcaraz has shared his thoughts on the player-coach partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Djokovic appointed his former rival Murray as his new coach in a surprise move last month.
“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” the 37-year-old Serbian said in a video announcing the news.
“Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.
“We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game changers, 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. Welcome aboard, coach Andy Murray.”
Murray, who retired from tennis after this year’s Paris Olympics, said: “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open.
“I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
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Alcaraz has given his backing to the partnership as he labelled Murray the “right coach” for Djokovic.
“It’s as if [I will] play against both of them. It’s going to be incredible for tennis,” the world No 3 was quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.
Alcaraz holds a 3-4 record against Djokovic, having lost to the 24-time Grand Slam winner in the 2024 Olympic gold medal match in the pair’s most recent clash.
Djokovic, who parted ways with former coach Goran Ivanisevic in March, recently explained his decision to hire Murray.
“We were going through different names and I realised the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone that has been through the experiences that I’m going through, possible multiple Grand Slam winner, former No 1,” he told Sky Sports.
“I was thinking about different people and then an Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with me and my team.
“It was still a shock decision. It caught him a little bit off guard as well because he wasn’t expecting it, so we connected really fast and he accepted after a few days.
“I couldn’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, to everyone. But it’s exciting for tennis.
“He’s been one of my greatest rivals. We’re the same age. We’ve played in all the biggest stadiums in our sport. So I can’t wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.”
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