Novak Djokovic has described his determination to group up with not too long ago retired rival Andy Murray as a shock to everybody however mentioned he couldn’t be extra excited by the prospect of the 2 former world No. 1s working collectively.
Murray agreed to hitch Djokovic’s group final week and can coach the 24-time Grand Slam champion on the Australian Open subsequent 12 months.
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“I used to be going by way of a means of serious about subsequent season within the final couple of months, and making an attempt to determine what I would like at this stage of my profession,” Djokovic informed Sky Sports activities on Friday.
“I ended with my coach Goran Ivanisevic, that I used to be very profitable with for a few years, in March. So I took about six months to essentially take into consideration if I [actually] want a coach, and if sure, who that is going to be and the profile of the coach.”
The 37-year-old mentioned he and his group thought-about numerous candidates for the job however the necessities had been strict.
“We had been going by way of totally different names and I realised the right coach for me at this level can be somebody that has been by way of the experiences that I am going by way of, presumably a a number of Grand Slam winner, former No. 1,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I used to be serious about totally different folks after which Andy Murray dialogue appeared on the desk with me and my group. [I decided] to provide him a name and see the way it goes.
“It caught him just a little bit off guard as properly as a result of he wasn’t anticipating it, so we related actually quick and he accepted after just a few days.”
Djokovic can be focusing on a record-extending eleventh Australian Open crown below twice Wimbledon winner and thrice Grand Slam champion Murray’s steerage when the primary main of the 12 months begins on Jan. 12.
“I could not be extra enthusiastic about it. This collaboration is a shock to me as properly, to everybody,” Djokovic added.
“However it’s thrilling for tennis. He is been one in every of my best rivals. We’re the identical age. We have performed in all the most important stadiums in our sport. So I can not wait to get out on the courtroom and put together for subsequent season.”
