Andy Murray to coach Novak Djokovic as duo speak out on blockbuster link-up | Tennis | Sport


Novak Djokovic has appointed Andy Murray to coach him into and through the Australian Open. In a shock development, the two former rivals will work together as Djokovic seeks to win an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

In a statement on Saturday evening, Djokovic confirmed the bombshell news and said he was looking forward to joining up with the man he beat four times in the final Down Under.

“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” Djokovic said.

“Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.”

The Serbian also uploaded a picture of Instagram, which shows him alongside Murray when the pair had only just started out in the professional game. He wrote “He never liked retirement anyway,” to his 15.6million followers.

Murray, who retired from playing after the Paris Olympics in the summer, said: “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open.

“I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”

Djokovic, 37 is targeting an 11th Australian Open title next year, with the tournament running from January 12th to 26th. Neither player gave any indication whether the arrangement would continue beyond the first Grand Slam of 2025.

In March this year, Djokovic confirmed he was splitting with long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic. He’s since resisted appointing a full-time replacement, but has trained with compatriot Nenad Zimonjic.

Despite the outcome of their four Melbourne final meetings, Murray did win two of his three major titles against the man now employing him.

After beating his fellow ‘big four’ member in five sets in the 2012 US Open final, he then prevailed when the pair met at the same stage at Wimbledon a year later.

And the Scot’s announcement has come out of blue. Since retiring this summer, he’s not voiced any ambition to return to tennis in a coaching capacity, instead insisting he was enjoying his newfound freedom and family time, while also embarking on a quest to become a scratch golfer.



Source link