10 times Australian Open winner, Novak Djokovic said he has been “impressed” with the professionalism of new coach and old rival Andy Murray, with the 23-time major winner looking ahead to the Australian Open. The 37-year-old Serbian is chasing an 11th title and a record 25th overall and said having his former rival in his corner had been a rewarding experience, but not a common one.
Murray, who started working with Djokovic in November, matched up against the Serb 36 times between 2006 and 2022, including four Australian Open finals. And despite their intense rivalry, Djokovic has been impressed with Murray’s outlook.
“I’m very positively surprised with his commitment and professionalism, knowing that he never had a job of a tennis coach,” Djokovic said. “His IQ, in general, and in tennis, is extremely high.”
Although their court collaboration is yet to be assessed in a competitive environment, Djokovic said it was strange for him to first open up to Murray.
“It was a weird feeling at first because we were always rivals, keeping things from each other. Now everything is on the table, and that’s what he wants.”
Djokovic, who faces American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round as he bids for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, declined to expand on his recent comments about his visa saga at the 2022 Australian Open, instead concentrating on tennis.
