By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, December 29, 2024
Novak Djokovic looking forward to starting his 2025 season with one of his biggest rivals as coach.
24 times the main champion, who will work with Andy Murray on a trial basis until the end of the Australian Open, reports that the pair have had a very productive 10-day training block ahead of Djokovic’s season-opening tournament at the Brisbane International, which starts on Monday.
“Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my biggest rivals,” Djokovic said, in comments published on the ATP website.
Djokovic admits the dynamic of working with Murray has taken some getting used to.
“It was kind of weird for me to share all this kind of knowledge about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with him. someone who has always been one of the main rivals,” he said. “But I’m very happy and very grateful that he has agreed to work with me here in Australia.”
Novak Djokovic praises Andy Murray’s “meticulous and dedicated” training style 👏 pic.twitter.com/Vzn8b0UXCv
— Eurosport (@eurosport) December 29, 2024
Djokovic, who won 25 of his 36 head-to-head matches with Murray, says the recently retired Scot has helped him better understand his current competition – and his strengths and weaknesses.
“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the biggest rivals I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game,” said Djokovic. “He’s also been playing on Tour until recently, so he knows all the other top players in the world right now, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So I’m looking forward to it, I really am.
“I think he’s bringing a new look to my game and I think I’ll be able to take advantage of that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But even with that kind of champion mentality, I’m sure we’ll do very well.”
Djokovic will open his season against Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in Brisbane. The 37-year-old is also scheduled to play in the doubles draw, partnering Nick Kyrgios.
It’s great to see such a star @BrisbaneTennis tie, with Novak Djokovic on top:Who gets this title? pic.twitter.com/iD7Wm9XdKj
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) December 29, 2024
He says he would like to play more tournaments than he did in 2024, which saw him go 37-9 and battle through midseason knee surgery after Roland-Garros.
“I’m planning to play a little more tournaments this year than last season,” said the Serbian legend. “We hope that the level will also increase and as a result I will be able to win some tournaments and rise higher.”
