Novak Djokovic is on the hunt for Grand Slam no. 25 and his new coach is an old friend, rival and doubles partner …Andy Murray. Murray is exactly one week older than Djokovic. Both are 37, both will turn 38 in May (22nd for Novak, 15th for Andy).
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, officially retired after playing doubles at Wimbledon this year.
Djokovic and Murray played 36 times in ATP and the younger man won 25 of those duels. Murray managed to beat Djokovic twice in major finals – at the US Open in 2012 and at Wimbledon in 2013.
“I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach,” Djokovic said in a statement. “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.”
Murray will join Djokovic during the off-season training block before heading to Australia.
“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open,” the former World no. 1 said. “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.”
It is not known for how long Djokovic has agreed to work with Murray and the collaboration may only be a short term project, dependent on evaluations about chemistry, results and tactical sense.
Djokovic and Murray last played doubles together at 2011 Miami Open on court 1, where they lost to Youzhny and Stakhovsky 7-5 3-6 (8-10). On a critical point, after an amazing action rally, Murray netted a routine backhand volley which caused Novak to fall on his back in shock and or disgust. They were both 23 at the time.
Andy Murray · Australian Open · Novak Djokovic
