By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday December 29, 2024
Novak Djokovic is trying ahead to commencing his 2025 season with considered one of his greatest rivals as his coach.
The 24-time main champion, who will work with Andy Murray on a trial foundation by way of the tip of the Australian Open, studies that the pair have had a really productive 10-day coaching block forward of Djokovic’s season-opening event on the Brisbane Worldwide, which begins on Monday.
“Being on the identical aspect of the web is definitely nice for a change as a result of he’s been considered one of my biggest rivals,” Djokovic mentioned, in feedback printed on the ATP web site.
Djokovic admits that the working dynamic with Murray has taken a little bit of time to get used to.
“In a means it was unusual for me to share all these sorts of insights about how I really feel on the court docket, sharing a number of the secrets and techniques of what I’m going by way of, what I’m fascinated about, how I see my recreation with someone that has at all times been one of many high rivals,” he mentioned. “However I’m so glad and really grateful that he has accepted to work with me right here in Australia.”
Novak Djokovic praises Andy Murray’s “meticulous and devoted” teaching type 👏 pic.twitter.com/Vzn8b0UXCv
— Eurosport (@eurosport) December 29, 2024
Djokovic, who received 25 of 36 head-to-head matchups with Murray, says that the lately retired Scot has helped him perceive his present competitors – and his personal strengths and weaknesses – higher.
“He has a novel perspective on my recreation as one of many biggest rivals that I’ve had. He is aware of the professionals and cons of my recreation,” Djokovic mentioned. “He has additionally performed as much as lately on the Tour, so he is aware of all the opposite greatest gamers at present on this planet, the children and the weaknesses and strengths of their recreation. So I look ahead to it, I actually do.
“I believe he’s bringing a contemporary look to my recreation and I believe I’ll have the ability to profit from that, little doubt, on the tennis court docket. But additionally that form of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m positive that we’ll match very nicely.”
Djokovic will open his season in opposition to Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in Brisbane. The 37-year-old can also be slated to play within the doubles draw, partnered by Nick Kyrgios.
Superior to see such a star-studded @BrisbaneTennis draw, with Novak Djokovic on the high:Who takes this title? pic.twitter.com/iD7Wm9XdKj
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) December 29, 2024
He says he’d prefer to play extra tournaments than he did in 2024, which noticed him go 37-9 and combat by way of a mid-season knee surgical procedure after Roland-Garros.
“I’m planning to play a bit extra tournaments this 12 months than I did final season,” The Serbian legend mentioned. “Hopefully additionally the extent goes to go up and as a consequence I will hopefully win a number of tournaments and get my rating greater.”
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