Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday January 10, 2025
Novak Djokovic once more Andy Murray the principle storyline of the 2025 Australian Open. The pair, who’ve met 4 instances within the Australian Open ultimate, are hoping to go there collectively this 12 months, with the 24-time champion carrying the Scottish gun as his coach this 12 months in Melbourne.
At a press day in Melbourne on Friday, Djokovic talked about what he sees as Murray’s biggest energy.
Djokovic mentioned Murray conjures up him, initially.
“He impressed me and many individuals all over the world,” mentioned Djokovic. “I believe his completely different opinion about my sport is that he has performed for me for 25 years. We began seeing one another after we have been 12 years outdated. He is aware of the evolution of my sport, I believe the weaknesses and strengths of my sport.
“I believe his tennis IQ may be very excessive. Everyone knows that. He did an amazing job, particularly after the surgical procedure, his synthetic hip, profitable tournaments after that, enjoying on the degree of the challengers, an amazing individual within the sport, exhibiting everybody what it means to be a champion in the true sport. the sensation of that phrase.”
Djokovic additionally believes that the truth that Murray is new to the tour and dealing with the perfect gamers within the sport makes him much more vital.
“He additionally is aware of the sport, the sport of tennis, of the largest gamers on the planet proper now as a result of he simply retired as a participant,” mentioned the 37-year-old participant. “He was coaching and enjoying with all the highest guys on the planet till lately. I believe he has a number of information about what is going on on within the tour.”
“I am right here now to damage his probabilities of profitable one other” 😅Andy Murray teaching Novak Djokovic after 4 defeats #AusOpen ultimate in opposition to him 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hxCLxwdOtW
– Eurosport (@eurosport) January 9, 2025
The pair have spent as much as 12 days on court docket practising thus far, so it is nonetheless early days for this high-profile pairing. However Djokovic likes that Murray encourages him, and says that they’re progressively opening up channels of communication with one another.
“We’re nonetheless attending to know one another in court docket. We spent eight days in pre-season and now we’ve got 4 days right here in Melbourne,” he added: “He provides me motivation, he actually encourages me to spend time on the court docket. We talk quite a bit. We discuss many alternative issues. He tries to know me on completely different ranges, speaking to different workforce members who know me higher. You might be cautious. He’s a really devoted skilled.”
It is an thrilling time for workforce Djokovic, because the Serbian legend appears to document his twenty fifth main title and eleventh in Australia. He’s nonetheless chasing his one hundredth cap, in addition to his one hundredth match win for Australia (he has 94, with simply 9 losses).
Djokovic says his new coach has taken his place flippantly.
“It comes naturally to him,” mentioned the native of Belgrade. “His IQ usually and tennis IQ may be very excessive. He pays shut consideration and speaks up when it issues most. I believe he understands when he must say one thing and what to say and what to ask.
“Now all of the playing cards are open on the desk. That is what he needs. I help 100% that type of communication the place you share every part as a result of that is the easiest way for him to know and provide help to in any means he can.”
Djokovic will face American card Nishesh Basavareddy within the first spherical match in Melbourne. The Australian Open begins on Sunday January 12.
