Novak Djokovic welcomes ‘biggest rival’ Andy Murray to coaching team ahead of Australian Open: ‘Final chapter left…’
Novak Djokovic announced that retired rival Andy Murray will join his coaching team starting at the Australian Open. Djokovic expressed excitement about having Murray by his side as they share a long history of rivalry and exceptional moments in tennis.
Novak Djokovic on Saturday announced that his long-time rival, retired tennis star Andy Murray, will join his coaching team. Murray's role will begin at the Australian Open in January, supporting Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
While announcing the news, Djokovic in a statement, "I'm thrilled to have one of my biggest rivals on the same side of the net with me, this time as my coach. I look forward to starting the season with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne, where we've shared many exceptional moments throughout our careers."
"We played each other since we were boys -- 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport," added Djokovic on Saturday.
"They called us gamechangers, risk takers, history makers. I thought our story may be over. Turns out, it has one final chapter. It's time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner."
Meanwhile, Murray said: "I am very excited about this and look forward to being on the same side of the net for a change. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his goals for the upcoming year."
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, retired from competitive tennis at the Olympics in August.
Djokovic posted a video on X of him and Murray during the Scotsman's playing career, jokingly titled: "He never liked retirement anyway."
The 37-year-old Serb has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, defeating Murray in four Melbourne finals.
Djokovic and Murray faced each other 36 times in their careers with the Serb winning 25 times. Nineteen of those clashes came in finals, including seven at the Slams. For Murray, two of those major championship duels were significant.
Djokovic failed to win a Grand Slam in 2024 and has slipped to seventh in the world, although he did land the Olympic singles title in Paris, a victory he described as his "greatest achievement".
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Business NewsSportsTennis NewsNovak Djokovic welcomes ‘biggest rival’ Andy Murray to coaching team ahead of Australian Open: ‘Final chapter left…’
First Published:24 Nov 2024, 06:27 AM IST
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