Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday December 29, 2024
Novak Djokovic is looking forward to starting his 2025 season with one of his biggest rivals as his coach.
A 24-time major league champion to work with Andy Murray on trial until the end of the Australian Open, it is reported that the pair have had an excellent 10 days of training ahead of Djokovic's season-opening tournament at the Brisbane International, which starts on Monday.
“Being on the same side of the net is very good for a change because he was one of my biggest rivals,” said Djokovic, commenting on the ATP website.
Djokovic admits that the dynamic working with Murray took some getting used to.
“Somehow it was strange for me to share all these kinds of opinions about how I feel on the court, sharing the secrets of what I'm going through, what I'm thinking, how I see my game and. someone who is always one of the top competitors,” he said. But I am very happy and very grateful to him that he has agreed to work with me here in Australia.”
Novak Djokovic praises Andy Murray's “careful and dedicated” training style 👏 pic.twitter.com/Vzn8b0UXCv
– Eurosport (@eurosport) December 29, 2024
Djokovic, who won 25 of 36 matches with Murray, says the recently retired Scot has helped him understand his current competition – and his strengths and weaknesses – better.
“He has a different 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 also played until recently on the Tour, so he knows all the best players in the world right now, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So looking forward, I did.
“I think he brings a new look to my game and I think I will be able to benefit from that, without a doubt, on the tennis court. But with that kind of mentality of a champion that he has, I'm sure we'll get along very well.”
Djokovic will open his season against Australia's Rinky Hijikata in Brisbane. The 37-year-old is also expected to play in the doubles, alongside Nick Kyrgios.
It's amazing to see such a full star @BrisbaneTennis draw, with Novak Djokovic on top:Who takes this title? pic.twitter.com/iD7Wm9XdKj
– TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) December 29, 2024
He says he'd like to play more tournaments than he did in 2024, which saw him go 37-9 and battle mid-season knee surgery after Roland-Garros.
“I plan to play more tournaments this year than last season,” said the Serbian player. “Hopefully the level will also rise and because of that I will be able to win a few tournaments and raise my level.”
