Andy Murray’s early impression of Novak Djokovic: ‘None of these guys matter, it is solely Novak’ | ATP Tour

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Murray’s early impression of Djokovic: ‘None of these guys matter, it is solely Novak’

Perception from distinguished coach and analyst Brad Gilbert

December 06, 2024

Brad Gilbert remembers asking Andy Murray an necessary query in 2006, when he started teaching the Scot. Gilbert went by way of an inventory of gamers, urgent Murray on which opponents gave him essentially the most hassle. Practically twenty years later, Gilbert nonetheless recollects Murray’s response.

“I keep in mind him saying, ‘None of these guys matter, it’s solely Novak,’” Gilbert advised ATPTour.com.

In a full-circle second, Murray is now teaming along with his rival Djokovic, teaching the Serbian within the off season and thru the Australian Open. In accordance with Gilbert, it’s a becoming transfer.

“I sort of sensed that Novak was going to do one thing. You didn’t know what he was going to do, however you sort of sensed that he in all probability wanted one thing, and one thing to inspire him. And clearly he goes approach again with Andy,” Gilbert mentioned.

“Andy is aware of so much about Novak, is aware of so much concerning the gamers who Novak goes to be chasing. However I believe greater than something, the place Novak is, you’ve obtained these two big, younger guys now [Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz] who’ve simply actually elevated and I believe Novak in all probability looks like he wants a little bit bit and I believe most significantly, wants that motivation.”

Wasn’t on our 2024 bingo card…

However SO right here for it 😎@andy_murray | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/e9T2eFW25i

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 23, 2024

Murray, who retired on the Paris Olympics earlier this 12 months, and 99-time tour-level titlist Djokovic clashed 36 occasions of their Lexus ATP Head2Head collection. The Belgrade native received 25 of these conferences. They battled on the world’s largest phases, together with in seven main finals.

Gilbert, former No. 4 within the PIF ATP Rankings, additionally is aware of what it’s wish to make a fast transition from the courtroom to the coach’s field. He retired as a participant in 1994, the identical 12 months he started teaching Andre Agassi. Immediately, Gilbert realized a precious teaching lesson.

“You’re the coach, trying by way of the lens of the participant who you’re teaching. I used to be like, ‘I’d do X, Y and Z, however Andre performs nothing like me, so I can’t take into consideration what I’d do. I’ve to consider what Andre wanted to do’.”

Born one week aside in Could 1987, Djokovic and Murray should not the primary pair of former No. 1s within the PIF ATP Rankings to affix forces. In actual fact, Murray is the third former No. 1 to be in Djokovic’s nook. The Serbian has additionally labored with Agassi and Boris Becker.

With a complete offseason to refine new methods and ways, Djokovic’s early season might be significantly thrilling. The 37-year-old will start his 2025 marketing campaign in Brisbane.

“The very first thing I’ll wish to do after I’m in Australia is simply go watch Murray and Novak practise,” Gilbert mentioned. “It is going to be attention-grabbing, do they practise collectively? Is he practising with a apply associate? And [I want to see] if I discover something completely different early within the first spherical. As a coach myself and a former participant, I’m sort of fascinated seeing if there’s something completely different instantly.”