In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, Novak Djokovic has recruited former rival Andy Murray to join his coaching team ahead of the 2024 Australian Open. This surprising partnership has sparked renewed excitement for Djokovic’s chances in Melbourne, with many now backing the 24-time Grand Slam champion to claim his 11th title at the season-opening major.
Murray, who retired from professional tennis after the Paris Olympics in August, made a swift return to the sport, accepting Djokovic’s invitation to assist him in his preparations for the Australian Open. Speaking about the opportunity, Murray shared his enthusiasm: “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.”
For Djokovic, the decision to bring Murray on board came after months of reflection on his career. The Serbian star, who parted ways with long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic in March, spent significant time contemplating his next move. “I was going through a process of thinking about next season in the last couple of months,” Djokovic explained to Sky Sports at the Qatar Grand Prix. “I was trying to figure out what I need at this stage of my career. I realized that the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone who has experienced what I am going through—possibly a multiple Grand Slam winner, a former world number one.”
As Djokovic and his team weighed various potential candidates, the idea of Murray joining his camp became a serious discussion. “We were like, ‘Okay, I’m going to give him a call and see how it goes.’ It caught him a little off guard as well because he wasn’t expecting it. We connected really fast and he accepted after a few days. I can’t be more excited about it.”
This unexpected partnership between two of tennis’ most iconic players will be a major talking point as the Australian Open draws near. Gael Monfils, a seasoned French player who has faced both Djokovic and Murray countless times, is optimistic about Djokovic’s chances with Murray by his side. Although he believes that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are the primary favorites to dominate in Melbourne, Monfils still sees Djokovic as a formidable contender for the title.
Having faced Djokovic a staggering 19 times, with no victories to his name, Monfils holds the Serbian in high regard. He remains confident that Djokovic, despite his age and the competition from younger players, still has more Grand Slam glory left in him. “Of course he can win one more Grand Slam in his career, and why can’t it be in Australia, where he has won so many times?” Monfils remarked. “Now with Andy by his side, this is great for the sport. We’re all eager to see how they’ll combine their strengths.”
Though Monfils is nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, he has no intentions of following in Murray’s footsteps and transitioning into a coaching role. Instead, the Frenchman has a very different vision for his future. “It’s not in my plans to be a coach,” Monfils admitted. “When I stop, I want to work in the financial world, maybe in a bank. That’s what I want to do.”
As the tennis world eagerly anticipates the upcoming Australian Open, the Djokovic-Murray partnership adds an intriguing layer to the competition. With both players renowned for their skill, determination, and unmatched work ethic, their collaboration promises to be one of the most captivating storylines of the 2024 season.