By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday December 1, 2024
This weekend at a Formula 1 event in Qatar, 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic opened about his newly formed partnership with Andy Murray for the first time.
“I took about six months to think if I really needed a coach and, if yes, who is that going to be and the profile of the coach,” Djokovic told Sky Sports.
Djokovic said that it didn’t take long for Murray, who retired after Wimbledon this year, to pop into the discussion.
“We were going through different names and I realised at this point the perfect coach would be someone who has been through the experiences I have been through – a multiple Grand Slam winner… I was thinking about a few and the Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with my team.
“I decided I would give him a call and see how it goes. It caught him off guard a little bit as he wasn’t expecting it.”
After a few days to think about the offer, Murray signed on.
“We connected really fast and he accepted it after a few days,” Djokovic said. “I can’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, to everyone, but it is exciting for tennis. He has been one of my greatest rivals, we are at the same age. We played in all the biggest stages in our sport so I can’t wait to be out there next season.”
Murray, meanwhile, has been keeping close tabs on his new charge. He replied to a social media post showing Djokovic at the Formula 1 event by saying: “He should be on the practice court.”
Djokovic’s reply? “Sorry coach, I’ll be back there soon.”