Novak Djokovic stated shared experiences with Andy Murray make the Scot the “excellent coach” as he bids to win a document twenty fifth Grand Slam in Australia in January.
Murray, a three-time Main winner, retired after the Paris Olympics on the age of 37, lastly admitting defeat in his lengthy battle towards damage.
Final week, Djokovic made the shock announcement that he was teaming up together with his long-time British rival within the low season and within the build-up to the primary Grand Slam of the yr.
He admitted Murray, born only a week earlier than himself, was caught off-guard however that they “related actually quick”.
“I used to be attempting to determine what I would like at this stage of my profession, as a result of I ended with my (former) coach Goran Ivanisevic, who I used to be very profitable with and labored for a few years, in March,” Djokovic instructed Sky Sports activities.
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“So I took about six months to actually take into consideration if I would like a coach and, if sure, who that’s going to be and the profile of the coach.
“We have been going via names and I realised that the proper coach for me at this level could be somebody who has been via the experiences I’m going via, presumably a a number of Grand Slam winner, a former (world) primary.
“I used to be eager about completely different folks and a dialogue about Andy Murray appeared on the desk with me and my workforce.”
Djokovic, who ended his await Olympic gold in Paris this yr, is tied with Margaret Courtroom for essentially the most Grand Slam titles gained by any participant however 2024 is the primary yr he has not lifted a serious since 2017.
The Serbian, who stated the collaboration was additionally a shock to him, hopes including Murray to his workforce will assist him problem Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who’ve established a brand new energy base on the high of the lads’s recreation.
“I nonetheless will attempt to go sturdy as a result of I really feel like my physique is serving me properly. I nonetheless have motivation to win Grand Slams, make extra historical past,” Djokovic stated.
“That’s one of many greatest the explanation why I requested Andy to work with me, as a result of I nonetheless have large plans, so so long as that’s the case, I’ll preserve going.”
The 2 gamers have been members of the so-called “Large 4”, together with Rafael Nadal, who retired earlier this month, and Roger Federer, who left the game in 2022.