BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Hiring Andy Murray as his coach got here naturally for Novak Djokovic. On a visit to Argentina to play in a farewell match for Juan MartÃn del Potro, the Serbian defined why he selected his former rival after being with out a coach for six months.
Murray and Djokovic introduced final week they plan to work collectively for the Australian Open in January.
“Since I used to be very younger, I’ve performed in opposition to him … and there aren’t many individuals who’ve gained a number of Grand Slam titles,” mentioned Djokovic in Spanish in a information convention earlier than the match in opposition to Del Potro.
Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent extra weeks at No. 1 than every other participant in tennis historical past. Murray gained three main trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals and completed 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He ended his taking part in profession after the Paris Olympics in August.
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Each males are 37 and had been born per week aside in Could 1987. They began going through one another as juniors and wound up assembly 36 instances as professionals, with Djokovic holding a 25-11 benefit.
“He is aware of my sport and all the pieces that I’ve been by means of very effectively,” added Djokovic, presently No. 7 within the ATP rankings. “He is aware of the issues which might be mistaken with my sport, all of my errors.”
Djokovic has been with out a full-time coach since splitting in March from Goran Ivanisevic.
Del Potro, who gained the US Open in 2009, gained the exhibition match performed in Parque Roca, Buenos Aires, 6-4, 7-5.
“We performed in opposition to one another within the greatest levels of our sport, however ultimately our friendship was larger than the rivalry,” added Djokovic. “We’re right here to have fun Juan Martin’s profession and to take pleasure in each second.”
