Novak Djokovic credited his rival-turned-coach Andy Murray bringing a “new look” to his game before the start of the 2025 season.
After facing Murray 36 times in ATP events and winning 25 of them, the 24-time major winner took the Scot on as coach in November until the end of the year. Australian Openwhen the pair will reevaluate.
“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the biggest rivals I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.” said the Serbian according to ATP. “He also played until recently on the Tour, so he knows all the other best players in the world right now, the young guys and the weaknesses and strengths of their game. So I’m looking forward to that, really.
“I think he brings a new perspective to my game and I think I will benefit from that, without a doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion mentality that he has, I’m sure we’ll get along really well.
Djokovic admitted it didn’t immediately feel natural for him to open up to his former opponent, who only retired as a player in August.
“In a way, it was strange for me to share all these kinds of ideas about what I feel on the ground, to share some of the secrets of what I experience, of what I think about, of the the way I see my game. with someone who has always been one of the main rivals,” he said.
“But the 10 days we spent together were great. I enjoyed every moment of it. He is very meticulous, very dedicated, so professional,” he continued. “It doesn’t surprise me because I’ve known him for so many years as a player and obviously it’s a new experience for him as a coach and it was a bit of a surprise to him and me that we are together as a coach (and) player.
The current world number 7 had an eventful season in 2024. If he won the men’s title gold medal in singles at the Paris Olympics – adding the last remaining major title to his collection – he also failed to win a grand slam for only the second year since 2010.
“Overall, I’ve had more losses and ups and downs this season than previous seasons, so I’m expecting a good start to the season,” he said.
“I plan to play a few more tournaments this year than last season,” he continued. “I hope the level will also increase and as a result I can hopefully win a few tournaments and improve my ranking.”
He started the new season with a victory alongside doubles partner Nick Kyrgios at the Brisbane International on Monday and will begin his singles season on Tuesday against Australian Rinky Hijikata. If he goes all the way in this final event in Brisbane, he would become only the third men’s player in the Open Era to win 100 ATP singles titles.
Murray will not be in Brisbane, but will join Djokovic for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12, where the Serbian hopes to win the record for most Grand Slam singles titles of all time. He is currently tied with Margaret Court on 24th.
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