Djokovic teams up with Murray to chase record 25th Grand Slam in Australia

Novak Djokovic has described Andy Murray as the “perfect coach” after enlisting his services ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, citing shared experiences as key to their collaboration. The 36-year-old Serbian, aiming to secure a record 25th Grand Slam title, announced the partnership last week, surprising many, including Murray himself.

Djokovic revealed that after parting ways with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic in March, he took six months to evaluate his coaching needs. “I realised the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone who has been through the experiences I’m going through, a multiple Grand Slam winner, a former world number one,” he told Sky Sports.

The choice of Murray, a three-time major champion and former fierce rival, emerged naturally. “Andy was caught off-guard, but we connected really fast,” Djokovic said.

Murray retired in November after the Paris Olympics, concluding his career at 37 due to persistent injury struggles. Djokovic hopes Murray’s insight will bolster his challenge against rising stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“I still have the motivation to win Grand Slams and make more history,” Djokovic said. “That’s one of the biggest reasons I asked Andy to work with me. I still have big plans.”

The duo were part of the “Big Four,” alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have also retired.

(Source: AFP)