Novak Djokovic has credited Andy Murray with “bringing a recent look” to his sport as he prepares for his first event since naming his long-time rival as his new coach.
Djokovic, the lads’s document 24-time main winner, will start his 2025 season on the Brisbane Worldwide towards Australian Rinky Hijikata subsequent week.
The Serb, 37, might be with out Britain’s three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, who retired from tennis in August, in Brisbane earlier than they unite previous to the Australian Open, which begins on 12 January.
“He has a singular perspective on my sport as one of many biggest rivals I’ve had. He is aware of the professionals and cons of my sport,” Djokovic mentioned of Murray.
“He performed till just lately on the tour, so he is aware of all the opposite greatest gamers at present on the earth, the children, and the weaknesses and strengths of their sport. I stay up for it, I actually do.
“I believe he is bringing a recent look to my sport and I will be capable of profit from that, little doubt, on the court docket. But in addition that champion mentality he has, I am certain we’ll match very properly.”
Djokovic introduced in November that he’ll work with Murray till the conclusion of the Australian Open earlier than making a choice on any longer-term partnership.
The Olympic gold medallist will goal to win his a centesimal ATP singles title in Brisbane earlier than chasing a record-extending eleventh Australian Open title.
Victory at Melbourne Park subsequent month would see Djokovic, at present stage with Margaret Courtroom on 24, obtain the outright document for many Grand Slam titles.
Following a 2024 season wherein Djokovic did not win one of many 4 annual majors – solely the second time that has occurred since 2010 – he’s planning a busier schedule in 2025 after dropping to world quantity seven.
“I am planning to play a number of extra tournaments than I did final season,” Djokovic mentioned.
“Hopefully the extent can also be going to go up and as a consequence I will be capable of hopefully win a number of tournaments and get my rating increased.”