Novak Djokovic says Andy Murray partnership ‘shocking’ however ‘thrilling for tennis’

Novak Djokovic says his choice to nominate former rival Andy Murray as coach “shocked everybody” however “enjoys tennis”.

Three-time British Grand Slam champion Murray, who retired from tennis in August, will work with Djokovic within the low season and in preparation for the Australian Open.

The 24-time males’s document holder Djokovic, talking to Sky Sports activities, admitted his telephone name caught Murray “off guard”.

However the 37-year-old Serbian – the identical age as Murray – mentioned the pair “linked immediately” and it took Murray simply days to comply with the position, lower than 4 months after ending his profession on the Paris Olympics.

Djokovic, who is the same as Margaret Courtroom for essentially the most majors gained by any participant, mentioned: “It took me about six months to seek out what I would like at this stage of my profession.

“I spotted that the right coach could be somebody who has skilled what I’m dealing with, who might have gained many Grand Slams and is the most effective on the planet.

“We talked to Andy Murray and I mentioned I am going to name him and see the way it goes. He caught him slightly bit. We linked rapidly and he agreed after just a few days.

“I could not be happier about it. This partnership is shocking to everybody, together with me, nevertheless it’s thrilling for tennis.”

The Serb ended his watch for Olympic gold in Paris this summer time however has had a tricky 2024 12 months at his greatest.

It’s the first season since 2005 that Djokovic has not gained an ATP occasion, when he did not win a significant title for the primary time since 2017.

Djokovic and Murray had been born just a few weeks aside, rising up as minor rivals earlier than competing for main titles within the sport.

Rafael Nadal turned the newest within the ‘Large 4’ period of the boys’s sport to depart the game in November, whereas the top of Murray’s profession comes after Roger Federer retires in 2022.

Discussing his future, Djokovic mentioned: “Everyone knows that now we have to cease and say goodbye in some unspecified time in the future. Though it was anticipated for Rafa and Andy, however each saying goodbye to sports activities scares us all.

“My physique serves me nicely, I nonetheless have the need to win Grand Slams. The rationale I requested Andy to work with me is as a result of I nonetheless have massive plans.

“I’ll proceed to go as I really feel like I can proceed to be a candidate for main titles.”