‘I lost a six-hour match to Andy Murray, now I want him to coach me’ – EXCLUSIVE | Tennis | Sport

Andy Murray is already in demand after signing up to become Novak Djokovic’s coach.

Thanasi Kokkinakis famously lost to Murray in a five-set epic at the Australian Open that lated five hours and 45 minutes, and finished at 4am.

After seeing the Brit join Djokovic’s team, the 28-year-old admitted he would also be keen to hire the former No.1.

The Australian said: “Andy would be a great coach for sure. He’s always given little pointers.

“Just the way he thinks about the game. I feel like he uses every part to win matches and really think how to break the opponents down a little bit tactically.”

World No.77 Kokkinakis also believes Murray is one of the only people who can tell 24-time Major champion Djokovic what to do.

He added: “If you play against them, it’ll feel like you’re playing two people instead of one.

“There’s not really many people who can tell Djokovic what to do on court. He’s been there and done it all. It’ll be exciting to see how it plays out.

“I’m not sure how much of a difference he’s going to bring but if there’s anyone who can tell him stuff, it’s Andy.

“I think it’ll be just fun for fans and spectators. Seeing Andy in Djokovic’s box after they’ve been rivals for so long. It’s something good for fans, it’s good for media.”

Kokkinakis is in London for the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, competing for a total prize money pot of £1.67 million. The 28-year-old said: “This is very cardio-based so it’s very tough physically just backing up points.

“Playing against the best players in the world for a prize with a bit more pressure, I think it sets yourself up well for January and the events to come.

“For me I think it definitely helps for sure. You test your fitness out a lot because you play points so quickly back-to-back.

“Also, only having one serve strengthens your second serve a little bit so going back I remember I played Davis Cup after and when I had a first serve it felt like I had a cheat code a little bit, another serve up your sleeve that you can use, just use the second one if you need it.

“From that aspect and the pressure and how important some points are, the points that are worth three almost feel like a break point, that teaches you how to play those.”