By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday December 29, 2024
Novak Djokovic is wanting ahead to commencing his 2025 season with considered one of his largest 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, stories 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 online is definitely nice for a change as a result of he’s been considered one of my best rivals,” Djokovic stated, in feedback revealed 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 manner it was unusual for me to share all these sorts of insights about how I really feel on the court docket, sharing among the secrets and techniques of what I’m going by way of, what I’m excited about, how I see my recreation with someone that has at all times been one of many prime rivals,” he stated. “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 fashion 👏 pic.twitter.com/Vzn8b0UXCv
— Eurosport (@eurosport) December 29, 2024
Djokovic, who gained 25 of 36 head-to-head matchups with Murray, says that the just lately retired Scot has helped him perceive his present competitors – and his personal strengths and weaknesses – higher.
“He has a singular perspective on my recreation as one of many best rivals that I’ve had. He is aware of the professionals and cons of my recreation,” Djokovic stated. “He has additionally performed as much as just lately on the Tour, so he is aware of all the opposite finest gamers at present on the planet, the kids and the weaknesses and strengths of their recreation. So I sit up for it, I actually do.
“I feel he’s bringing a recent look to my recreation and I feel I’ll have the ability to profit from that, little doubt, on the tennis court docket. But in addition that sort of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m certain that we’ll match very effectively.”
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 prime:Who takes this title? pic.twitter.com/iD7Wm9XdKj
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) December 29, 2024
He says he’d wish 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 yr than I did final season,” The Serbian legend stated. “Hopefully additionally the extent goes to go up and as a consequence I can hopefully win a number of tournaments and get my rating larger.”
