This former top-10 ranked star has come clean about a message he sent to Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as the tennis world reels in their impending team-up
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were sent a message by their former rival’s ex-coach (Image: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Roger Federer’s ex-coach, Ivan Ljubicic, issued an exhilarated message to Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as the pair prepare to cooperate.
With Djokovic’s illustrious career entering its twilight and Murray having bid an emotional farewell at the Paris Olympics, the tennis world was left stunned by the announcement that the Scotsman would become the coach of his one-time rival.
The Serbian, who has previously been coached by tennis greats like Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, and Goran Ivanisevic, is now set to add another chapter to his career with this unexpected partnership.
Ljubicic, who played a pivotal role in enhancing Federer’s backhand and helping him secure three more Grand Slam titles from 2015 until his retirement in 2022, expressed his thrill at the duo’s alliance.
“It’s fantastic for the sport. I wrote a message to both of them to tell them how excited I was and that I understood their decision,” Ljubicic to L’Equipe. “I hope the outcome will be positive.
“Murray staying active in the sport, I love that. I imagine that Andy, who can’t travel for thirty weeks, will be there for the Grand Slams and a few important tournaments. I’m excited to see how that works out. We know how they are! Who’s going to say what to the other? It’s very interesting!”
Current World No. 7 Djokovic has himself come clean about the excitement felt over this surprising new collaboration – that he hopes will shake up the tennis world.
Murray and Djokovic will join forces for next season (
Clive Brunskill)
“I was going through a process of thinking about next season, and trying to figure out what I need at this stage of my career,” Djokovic told Sky Sports. “I stopped with my coach Goran Ivanisevic that I had been successful with for many years in March. So I took about six months to really think about if I need a coach and, if yes, who that is going to be.
“Then I realised the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone who has been through the experiences that I am going through. Possibly a multiple Grand Slam winner and a former No 1.
“The Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table. It caught him a little bit off guard because he wasn’t expecting it. But we connected really fast, and he accepted after a few days.
“I can’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, and to everyone. But it is exciting for tennis. He has been one of my greatest rivals. We are the same age, we’ve played in all of the biggest stadiums in our sport. I can’t wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.”
