Novak Djokovic reveals why Andy Murray will be ‘the perfect coach’ as he makes ‘shock’ admission
Novak Djokovic has described Andy Murray as the “perfect coach” for him as he expressed his excitement ahead of the pair’s collaboration.
The 37-year-old tennis legend admitted the move was “a shock decision” and that Murray was “caught off guard” when approached.
Djokovic sparked huge surprise and excitement last week when he revealed Murray will be his new coach.
Murray will work with Djokovic during the off-season and he will be in his former rival’s coaching box at the 2025 Australian Open. The 37-year-old British icon retired after this year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
“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,” Murray said.
Djokovic ended his extremely fruitful player-coach partnership with 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic in March. The Croatian joined Djokovic’s team in 2019 and helped him win nine of his 24 Grand Slam titles.
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In an interview with Sky Sports, Djokovic outlined the process that led to him choosing Murray and highlighted the fact the three-time Grand Slam winner has shared the same experiences as him.
“I was going through a process of thinking about next season and trying to figure out what I need at this stage of my career,” the Serbian explained. “Because I stopped with my coach Goran Ivanisevic, that I was very successful with for many years, in March.
“So I took about six months to really think about if I really need a coach, and if yes, who that’s going to be and the profile of the coach.
“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.
“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.”
Djokovic and Murray contested 36 matches between 2006 and 2017 during the pair’s rivalry, with the Serbian holding a 25-11 advantage.
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