Novak Djokovic introduced on Saturday that his retired long-time rival Andy Murray is becoming a member of the 24-time Grand Slam-winning participant’s teaching staff, beginning on the Australian Open in January. “I am thrilled to have one in all my greatest rivals on the identical aspect of the web with me, this time as my coach. I sit up for beginning the season with Andy and having him by my aspect in Melbourne, the place we have shared many distinctive moments all through our careers,” Djokovic mentioned in a press release.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who retired from aggressive tennis on the Olympics in August, mentioned: “I’m very enthusiastic about this and sit up for being on the identical aspect of the web for a change.
“I am additionally grateful for the chance to assist him obtain his targets for the upcoming yr.”
Djokovic posted a video on X of him and Murray throughout the Scotsman’s taking part in profession, jokingly titled: “He by no means preferred retirement anyway.”
The 37-year-old Serb has gained the Australian Open a file 10 occasions, defeating Murray in 4 Melbourne finals.
Djokovic didn’t win a Grand Slam in 2024 and has slipped to seventh on the planet, though he did land the Olympic singles title in Paris, a victory he described as his “biggest achievement”.
Jannik Sinner, who will end the yr because the runaway world primary, beat him within the Australian Open semi-finals and Djokovic misplaced to Carlos Alcaraz in straight units within the Wimbledon remaining.
He’s stage with Margaret Courtroom for probably the most main singles titles by any participant and would dearly like to overtake the Australian in Melbourne.
Djokovic and Murray confronted one another 36 occasions of their careers with the Serb profitable 25 occasions.
Nineteen of these clashes got here in finals, together with seven on the Slams.
For Murray, two of these main championship duels have been important.
He captured his maiden Grand Slam title with a five-set victory over his rival on the 2012 US Open whereas, a yr later, he famously turned the primary British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years courtesy of a straight units victory within the remaining on the All England Membership.
“We performed one another since we have been boys — 25 years of being rivals, of pushing one another past our limits. We had among the most epic battles in our sport,” added Djokovic on Saturday.
“They referred to as us gamechangers, danger takers, historical past makers. I believed our story could also be over. Seems, it has one remaining chapter. It is time for one in all my hardest opponents to step into my nook.”
Djokovic ended his teaching partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March regardless of profitable 12 Slams collectively.
Former Wimbledon winner Ivanisevic had admitted Djokovic is “not a straightforward man” such is his depth to make historical past within the sport.
“Particularly when one thing’s not going his means. Generally it’s extremely difficult,” mentioned Ivanisevic after Djokovic had claimed the 2023 French Open.
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