By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday January 10, 2025
Novak Djokovic AND Andy Murray are the biggest story of Australian Open 2025. The pair who met four times in the final at the Australian Open hope to go together this year as the 24-time major champion coaches the shotgun Scot this year in Melbourne.
At media day in Melbourne on Friday, Djokovic spoke about what he perceives to be Murray’s strongest points.
Djokovic said that Murray is an inspiration to him, first and foremost. “He really inspired myself and a lot of people around the world,” Djokovic said. “I think his unique perspective on my game is the fact that he’s played me for 25 years. The first time we faced each other was when we were 12 years old. He knows the evolution of my game, I think the weaknesses and strengths of my game.
“I think his tennis IQ is very high. We all know that. He’s done an incredible job, especially after he had the surgery, his artificial hip, winning tournaments afterwards, playing at a challenger level, someone who’s a legend of the sport, just showing everybody what it means to be champion in a truth. the meaning of this word.”
Djokovic adds that the fact that Murray has only recently been playing on tour and facing the best players in the sport makes him even more valuable.
“He also knows the game, the game of tennis, of the biggest players in the world at the moment because he just retired as a player,” the 37-year-old said. “He was training and also playing against all the best guys in the world until recently. I think he’s in tune with what’s going on in the tournament.”
“I’m here to sabotage his chances of winning another” 😅Andy Murray to coach Novak Djokovic after losing four #AusOpen final against him 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hxCLxwdOtW
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 9, 2025
The pair have spent about 12 days on the practice field so far, so it’s still early days in this high-profile pairing. But Djokovic likes the fact that Murray motivates him and adds that they are gradually opening the lines of communication with each other.
“We are still getting to know each other on the court. We spent eight days in pre-season and now we spend four days here in Melbourne,” he said, adding: “He gives me motivation, he really inspires me to spend time on the pitch. We communicate a lot. We talk about many different things. He is trying to understand me on different levels, talking to other team members who know me better. He is very punctual. He is a very dedicated professional.”
It’s an exciting time for Team Djokovic as the Serbian legend seeks his record 25th major title and 11th in Australia. He is also scoring his 100th career cap and his 100th match win for Australia (he has 94).
Djokovic says his new coach has taken to his post effortlessly.
“It’s natural for him,” he said. “His overall IQ and tennis IQ is very high. He observes and speaks when it matters most. I think he understands when to say something and what to say and what to ask for.
“Now all the cards are open on the table. This is what he is looking for. I’m 100% in favor of that kind of communication method where you share everything, because that’s the best way for him to understand you and really help you in any way he can.”
Djokovic will face American wild card Nishesh Basavareddy in first round action in Melbourne. The Australian Open starts on Sunday 12 January.
