By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday December 29, 2024
Novak Djokovic is looking forward to commencing his 2025 season with one of his biggest rivals as his coach.
The 24-time major champion, who will work with Andy Murray on a trial basis through the end of the Australian Open, reports that the pair have had a very productive 10-day training block ahead of Djokovic’s season-opening tournament at the Brisbane International, which begins on Monday.
“Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals,” Djokovic said, in comments published on the ATP website.
Djokovic admits that the working dynamic with Murray has taken a bit of time to get used to.
“In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has always been one of the top rivals,” he said. “But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.”
Djokovic, who won 25 of 36 head-to-head matchups with Murray, says that the recently retired Scot has helped him understand his current competition – and his own strengths and weaknesses – better.
“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game,” Djokovic said. “He has also played up to recently on the Tour, so he knows all the other best players currently in the world, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So I look forward to it, I really do.
“I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well.”
Djokovic will open his season against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in Brisbane. The 37-year-old is also slated to play in the doubles draw, partnered by Nick Kyrgios.
He says he’d like to play more tournaments than he did in 2024, which saw him go 37-9 and fight through a mid-season knee surgery after Roland-Garros.
“I’m planning to play a bit more tournaments this year than I did last season,” The Serbian legend said. “Hopefully also the level is going to go up and as a consequence I will be able to hopefully win a few tournaments and get my ranking higher.”