Novak Djokovic, record holder for Grand Slam victories with 24 coronations, dropped to 7th in the world at the end of a disappointing season without titles on the ATP circuit, announced on Saturday that he had enlisted the newly retired Andy Murray as his new coach.
“I’m thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net as me, this time as a coach. I look forward to starting the season with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne, where we have shared many exceptional moments throughout our careers,” the Serbian player said in a statement.
Win a 25th Grand Slam title
The collaboration between Djokovic and Murray, both aged 37 and who have a total of 27 Majors in the bag – three for the Briton who upset the almost undivided domination of the Big 3 completed by Nadal and Federer – will be concentrated in a first time on the preparation phase and the progress of the Australian Open, where the “Djoker” will try to win an 11th time in singles.
This would allow her to increase her Grand Slam record to 25 and thus overtake the Australian Margaret Court in first place among the most successful, all genres combined.
“I’m very excited and I can’t wait to be on the same side of the net for once” as Djokovic, responded Murray, who was defeated four times in the final in Melbourne against his future foal.
The Scot, whose end of career was weighed down by major physical problems, never managed to regain his best level, which had led him to occupy 1st place in the world and to win Olympic gold (2012, 2016) in addition to his coronations at the US Open 2012 and Wimbledon 2013 and 2016.
