It’s an association that makes you want, even makes you dream. For his first coaching experience, the Scottish Andy Murray was chosen by Novak Djokovic to accompany him in the last part of his career, at 37 years old. The former world number 1 was best man at the Serbian's wedding and ended his career a few months ago at Wimbledon. Engaged this week in Brisbane in doubles with Nick Kyrgios, and in singles, the “Djoker” is heading towards the Australian Open more motivated than ever. After his narrow victory in the first round against the Mies/Erler pair, he returned to the beginnings of this collaboration and his feelings in relation to this change of status.
Obviously, the two men having crossed swords during thirty-six meetings during their career, starting a collaboration may seem a little unnatural. “In a way, it's strange for me to share all this information about how I feel on the court, to share certain secrets, what I experience, what I think about, how I see my game with someone 'one who has always been one of my biggest rivals'soberly told the current world number 7.
He knows the strengths and weaknesses of my game
According to him, this association can only be beneficial thanks to the Briton's recent past on the circuit. “He played until recently on the tour. So he knows all the other best players in the world, the young players, their weaknesses and their strengths in their game.”
This knowledge also applies to the main person concerned. “He knows the strengths and weaknesses of my game. (…) He brings a new freshness, a new outlook, without a doubt on the Tennis court, but also thanks to the champion mentality that he has “developed the one who faces Rinky Hijikata (N°73) in the first round in Brisbane, this Tuesday. He also took the opportunity to praise all the human qualities of the man who was made “sir” by Prince Charles in 2019. “He's very meticulous, very dedicated, very professional. It doesn't surprise me because I've known him for so many years.” After ten days spent together, Djokovic is categorical: “I’m sure we’ll get along well.”
