Novak Djokovic admits it has been “weird” to have Andy Murray working as his coach, but believes he will benefit from one of his best rivals bringing a “fresh perspective” to his game.
Murray, who retired aged 37 after the Paris Olympics, made the shock decision to join Djokovic’s team in November and recently spent 10 days with the Serb preparing for the new season.
Although Murray is not with Djokovic at this week’s Brisbane International, the two-time Wimbledon champion will join him in Melbourne to train ahead of the Australian Open.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Djokovic explained why he chose Murray as his new coach
“Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my biggest rivals,” Djokovic said. ATP website.
“It was kind of weird for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game. Someone who has always been is one of the best competitors.
“But I’m so happy and so grateful that he agreed to work with me here in Australia.
“The 10 days we spent together were great. I enjoyed every bit of it. He is very meticulous, he is very professional.
“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of my biggest rivals. He knows the pros and cons of my game.
“He’s also played on tour until recently, so he knows the other top players in the world right now, the youngsters, and the strengths and weaknesses of their game. So I’m looking forward to it, I really do.”
“I think he brings a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that on the tennis court for sure. But also the championship mentality that he has, I’m sure we will fit in very well.”
Djokovic blames “lack of transparency” in Sinner’s doping case.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Nick Kyrgios has spoken out after both Iga Sviatek and Yannick Sinner came forward with doping allegations
The 24-time Grand Slam winner also spoke of his frustration at being “kept in the dark” over Yannick Sinner’s doping scandal, accusing the game’s authorities of double standards and a lack of transparency.
It was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared, while Iga Sviatek was banned for a month in November for a failed test due to a tainted drug.
“It’s not a good image, not a good look for our sport,” said Djokovic. “I believe that in the last 20-plus years that I’ve been on the professional tour, we’ve been one of the cleanest sports.
“I’m just questioning how the system really works and why some players aren’t treated the same as other players. The issue is the inconsistency, the transparency.
“We were kept in the dark in Jannik’s case, I don’t doubt whether he took the banned substance on purpose or not.
“I believe in clean sport, I believe that a player will do everything possible to play fair, and I know Yannick from a very young age. he doesn’t think I’m the kind of person who can do something like that.
“But I’m really disappointed, as are most of the players, that we’ve been left in the dark for five months.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A look at Sinner’s best and biggest moments of 2024
The Olympic gold medalist will aim to win her 100th ATP singles title in Brisbane before winning a record 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam.
