Novak Djokovic has revealed that he and Andy Murray deliberated carefully over the decision to continue their coaching partnership – and is now hoping it continues into Wimbledon this summer. Following their initial collaboration at the Australian Open, where Djokovic triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz en route to the semi-finals before a hamstring injury forced his withdrawal, he lauded Murray’s contributions. Despite enjoying the stint, Murray confessed the role was more challenging than he expected and recognised his need to learn more.
Nevertheless, the Brit has pledged to accompany Djokovic for further tournaments, currently joining him in California for the ‘Sunshine Double’ which comprises of Indian Wells and Miami. And at a press conference before his first match in California, Djokovic shared: “I want to keep going, like the same day we finished the (Australian Open) tournament, so I told him that.
“But, for him, it took some time to go back and reflect on the partnership, speak to his people, his family, and see how committed he wants to be and where he can travel with me and work in terms of the schedule.”
Expressing satisfaction with Murray’s decision, Djokovic said: “So I was very glad when he decided to keep going (for) Indian Wells, Miami, and most of the clay-court season. We’re going to speak after Miami, obviously, but I think the plan is to go all the way till the end of Roland Garros, and hopefully Wimbledon as well.
“I’m enjoying the relationship with Andy. I still feel like we are going through the process of getting to know each other on the court in a different way than we have known each other for 25 years. So it’s obviously a new role for him.”
He added that Murray is also adapting to the experience: “He’s also exploring it and trying to understand how he can excel in it. I’m trying to communicate as much as I can on the court, off the court, for us to be able to connect better.
“I think we had a great tournament, great run in Australia. I like the way I played, to be honest. It was unfortunate to finish the tournament the way I did it, but it was an injury issue. But, in terms of the game, I think I played maybe the best tennis that I played in quite some time. Since the Olympics, actually. So I definitely attribute that to the work I had with Andy.”
The 24-time Grand Slam winner is gearing up for his next challenge as he prepares to face Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match on Saturday. The Dutchman progressed past Nick Kyrgios in his opener after the Aussie was forced to retire injured.
