Novak Djokovic says his choice to nominate former rival Andy Murray as his coach was “a shock to everybody” however is “thrilling for tennis”.
Britain’s three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, who retired from tennis in August, will work with Djokovic within the low season and within the build-up to the Australian Open.
Males’s document 24-time main winner Djokovic, talking to Sky Sports activities, admitted his phonecall caught Murray “slightly off-guard”.
However the Serb, 37 – the identical age as Murray – mentioned the pair “linked actually quick” and Murray took just a few days to conform to the position, lower than 4 months after ending his profession on the Paris Olympics.
Djokovic, who’s stage with Margaret Courtroom for probably the most main singles titles gained by any participant, mentioned: “I took about six months to determine what I wanted at this stage of my profession.
“I realised the proper coach could be somebody who has been via the experiences I am going via, probably a a number of Grand slam winner and world primary.
“We mentioned Andy Murray and I mentioned I’d give him a name and see the way it goes. It caught him slightly of guard. We linked actually quick and he accepted after just a few days.
“I could not be extra enthusiastic about it. This collaboration is a shock to everybody, together with me, nevertheless it’s thrilling for tennis.”
The Serb ended his look forward to Olympic gold in Paris this summer time however in any other case had a tough 2024 by his excessive requirements.
It’s the first season since 2005 wherein Djokovic didn’t win an ATP occasion, whereas he did not win a significant title for the primary time since 2017.
Born simply weeks aside, Djokovic and Murray grew up as junior rivals earlier than competing towards one another for the game’s largest titles.
Rafael Nadal grew to become the newest of the ‘Large 4’ period within the males’s sport to depart the game in November, with the tip of Murray’s profession coming after Roger Federer retired in 2022.
Discussing his personal future, Djokovic mentioned: “Everyone knows we now have to cease and say goodbye sooner or later. Although it was anticipated for Rafa and Andy, each of them saying farewell to the game is a shock for all of us.
“My physique is serving me nicely, I nonetheless have motivation to win Grand Slams. The explanation I requested Andy to work with me is as a result of I nonetheless have massive plans.
“I will hold going as a lot as I can really feel like I can hold being a candidate for the most important titles.”
