At the Australian Open, the tennis world witnessed an exciting twist as former rivals turned teammates. Novak Djokovic has confirmed that his collaboration with Andy Murray will continue indefinitely as he prepares for the upcoming North American Swing and European clay-court season.
A Dynamic Duo Reunited
Murray, who coached Djokovic during the Australian Open, played a pivotal role in helping the 24-time Grand Slam champion battle his way to the semi-finals. Despite the setback of pulling out with a leg injury while a set down to Alexander Zverev, Djokovic’s campaign showcased the potent blend of experience and tactical insight that Murray brings to the table.
Following his impressive doubles victory alongside Fernando Verdasco at the Qatar Open on Monday, Djokovic is set to make his long-awaited singles return on Tuesday. Facing off against Italian Matteo Berrettini, the Serbian is not only aiming for a comeback but also pursuing the historic milestone of becoming the third male player in the Open Era to win 100 ATP titles.
Reflecting on the Partnership
Although Djokovic initially hinted that he and Murray might “cool off” after the Australian Open, the Serbian star made it clear that their collaboration is far from over. Speaking to the ATP Tour’s in-house media channel, he revealed:
“We had a chat the day after I finished [the Australian Open] – we reflected on the period we spent together. We agreed he was going to take some time and think, speak with his family members and see if he decides to keep working. I expressed my desire to continue the collaboration with him, so I am really glad he did accept. It is indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together, but we agreed most likely in the States and some clay-court tournaments. We will see how it goes after that.”
In response to questions about learning from a competitor who had beaten him 14 times throughout their storied careers—including in two Grand Slam finals—Djokovic added:
“He obviously has a unique perspective on my game. He has played me and all of the current best players in the world and knows everyone well. He knows exactly what we need to do tactically – the evolution of my game and what needs to be improved. He has a positive approach and has handled the whole pressure very well as it is a completely different situation from being there as a player. He has been terrific with all the other team members and while it was unfortunate the way the Australian Open finished with injury, we had a great run.”
What’s Next?
With preparations underway for both the North American Swing and the European clay-court season, Djokovic’s decision to extend this partnership signals a commitment to refining his game through the strategic insights of one of his most formidable opponents turned coach.
As Djokovic looks to reclaim his top form and push for another historic milestone, the tennis community is buzzing with anticipation. Will this renewed partnership spark a new era of success for the 24-time Grand Slam champion?