Jimmy Connors shares honest opinion on Novak Djokovic hiring Andy Murray as coach
Tennis legend Jimmy Connors has given his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s surprise decision to appoint Andy Murray as his new coach.
The eight-time Grand Slam champion feels Murray may help Djokovic feel more “comfortable” and “relaxed” as he backed the move.
Djokovic and Murray created one of the biggest tennis stories of the year when they announced their shock collaboration last month.
The former rivals faced off 36 times between 2006 and 2017, with Djokovic holding a 25-11 advantage.
Murray, who retired from tennis after the Paris Olympics in August, will be in the legendary Serbian’s coaching box for the first time at the 2025 Australian Open.
“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,” Djokovic 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.
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“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.”
Speaking on the Advantage Connors podcast, Connors explained the way in which he feels Murray’s presence might help Djokovic perform.
“I think it enters a comfort zone,” the American said.
“They have competed against each other, they know each other’s game, they have spent time together – not only on the court, playing great matches – but also off the court.
“There comes a point in time in your later years where, if you feel comfortable and feel relaxed with the people around you, that allows you to go out and attempt to play your best tennis and give it your all.
“The older you get, it’s tougher to push yourself. You look at ‘Djoker’ and he does everything to get himself in prime condition.
“If he’s around someone who he feels comfortable with now – not that those in the past he didn’t feel comfortable with – but as you get older things change.
“Your mind changes, your outlook changes, your feelings change and all that. If you can go and be more relaxed going into the tennis, it allows you to play even better.”
The former world No 1 added: “Maybe that is a good thing. It also might only last a week, you don’t know.
“You have to give it a shot though, I like what he is doing. He is doing whatever he can to go another year at the right level.”
