Djokovic Makes First Public Comment About Murray Link-Up Since Shocking Appointment

Djokovic Outlines Why He Believes Murray Is 'Perfect Coach' For Him

Novak Djokovic shocked tennis fans worldwide by appointing Andy Murray as his new coach, and the tennis legend has discussed why he thinks the move could work well.

Djokovic competed throughout most of 2024 without a permanent coach. He and Goran Ivanisevic parted ways after a nearly five-year successful partnership that included ten Grand Slam titles.

Ivanisevic is now working with Elena Rybakina. The Kazakhstani announced before the WTA Finals that she and the 2001 Wimbledon champion would begin their partnership during the off-season.

Without a permanent coach to help him, Djokovic failed to win a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017 this year. The closest he came was finishing as the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz for a second consecutive season.

However, despite only winning a record-low one title in 2024, Djokovic’s season can still be considered a success because he secured the Olympic gold medal he had craved for so long by overcoming Alcaraz at Roland-Garros.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is now at something of a crossroads. He is statistically the most successful player ever and has won every significant title available in the sport.

That left a question mark about whether Djokovic could motivate himself for 2025. The 37-year-old admits that focusing on the four Grand Slams and representing Serbia at this late stage of his career are his priorities, but he already holds more major titles than any other man.

Djokovic answered those questions loudly and clearly by appointing Murray until at least the end of the 2025 Australian Open. From 2011 to 2016, he played the Briton in seven Grand Slam finals, winning five but losing at the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013.

Murray would not have been hired unless Djokovic still believed he could challenge at the most significant tournaments. The ten-time Australian Open winner told Sky Sports why he thinks Murray is the right appointment.

“I was going through a process of thinking about what I need at this stage of my career because I stopped with my coach Goran Ivanisevic, whom I was very successful with and I who worked with for many years earlier in March.”

“So I took about six months to think about if I need a coach, and if yes, who is that going to be and the profile of the coach. We were going through different names and I realized that the perfect coach for me at this point would someone who has been through the experiences that I am going through, possibly a multiple-time Grand Slam winner and former world No. 1.”

“I was thinking about different people, and then an Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with me and my team, and I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to give him a call and see how it goes.’ It caught him a little bit off-guard as well because he wasn’t expecting it. We connected really fast and he accepted it after a few days.”

“I couldn’t be any more excited about this collaboration. It’s a surprise to me as well as everyone, but it’s exciting for tennis. He’s been one of my greatest rivals, we’re the same age and we’ve played in all the biggest stadiums in our sport. So, I can’t wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.”

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The final match of Rafael Nadal’s career was nothing short of emotional, not just for the tennis world but for his family and fans around the globe. While his on-court achievements and illustrious career have defined him as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, it was an unexpected moment involving his adorable son that stole the spotlight and melted hearts worldwide. As Nadal played in his emotional farewell match, it wasn’t just his powerful serve or incredible rally that captured attention—it was the sweet gesture of his young son, who brought a much-needed dose of warmth and joy to the occasion. The scene was one for the history books: Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, who has given everything to the sport of tennis, was bidding farewell to his beloved career, surrounded by his family, friends, and millions of fans in the stands. Nadal, who had long been known for his fierce determination and passion for the game, entered his final match with a mix of emotions, knowing that this would be his last time competing at the highest level. But it wasn’t just the man in the spotlight who tugged at the heartstrings of the tennis world. As Nadal walked onto the court for his final moments as a professional player, the real show-stealer came in the form of his son, who was by his side throughout the match. Rafa’s little boy, who had only been a toddler when his father’s career began to wind down, became an unexpected symbol of the future and legacy of Nadal’s family. With his wide eyes and cheerful grin, the young child lightened the mood during such a poignant event, bringing a sense of innocence and pure love to a day filled with nostalgia and farewell. Rafa’s wife, Mery Perelló, also stood by his side, offering her support and love as the family navigated this emotional farewell. Together, they made sure that this final match would not just be about the end of a tennis career but about celebrating family, love, and the deep connection that binds them. Mery, who has been by Rafa’s side for years, witnessed her husband’s journey from an ambitious young tennis player to a global icon. It was clear that their family was deeply intertwined with this final moment, as Nadal was not just leaving behind his sport but stepping into the next chapter of his life as a father and a husband. During the match, there was a moment when Nadal looked over at his son, who was clapping and smiling enthusiastically from the sidelines. This small, yet meaningful gesture seemed to sum up everything that had brought Nadal to this point—his drive, his family, and his love for the game. As Nadal wiped away a tear, the crowd knew that this was more than just a final match; it was the culmination of a career that had brought immense joy and inspiration to millions. 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