Gael Monfils, Alex de Minaur, Holger Rune and Jan-Lennard Struff talk about the brand new player-coach partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Djokovic just lately shocked the tennis world by asserting that Murray, his former rival and a three-time Grand Slam champion, can be his coach initially on a short-term association for the Australian Open.
This determination got here months after Djokovic ended his long-term partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March, with the Scot agreeing to the position, lower than 4 months after ending his profession on the Paris Olympics.
Djokovic is stage with Margaret Court docket for probably the most main singles titles gained by any participant with 24 Grand Slams and the 37-year-old is now aiming to win a record-extending eleventh title in Melbourne.
Gael Monfils: It is nice for tennis
“Surprised I didn’t know because I even asked Andy what he wanted to do and I know he loves tennis, he loves the sport but somehow we knew he wanted to give something back to tennis and with Novak it’s a big opportunity for him to start like that,” mentioned the Frenchman.
“I think it’s actually great that Novak gave him the opportunity – it’s just great for tennis.”
Jan-Lennard Struff: It is simply so good
“I think it’s amazing,” mentioned the German former world No 21. “Andy is such an idol and it’s so nice that they’re working together. I think it’s very nice. When I was reading it a smile came to my face because it’s just so nice and if were to take a coach, I would personally like to have Pete Sampras because he played forward to the net, serve and volley. I like his game-style and would want to learn a lot from him.”
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Novak Djokovic explains why he selected former rival Andy Murray as his new coach
Alex de Minaur: A shock to the tennis world
“I think the announcement was a complete shock to the tennis world. It’s crazy to see,” mentioned the Australian world No 9.
“The first ever experience I had of something like that was when I was playing Laver Cup when I was playing Andy and I was walking over at the change of ends when Andy was getting coached by Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal] and Novak [Djokovic] so that for me was one of the most surreal moments in my life. Going and playing Andy Murray – one of the ‘big four’ – being coached by the ‘big three’ against me and I’m wondering ‘how many weaknesses and holes are they telling Andy about’, so I can only imagine how that dynamic is going to go.
“It is positively going to be enjoyable to observe and I will preserve my eye out on it.”
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Sky Sports activities Tennis’ Jonathan Overend speaks on Djokovic’s determination to convey Murray onto his group
Holger Rune: I did not count on it to be Andy
“It’s an interesting set-up, that’s for sure. I don’t think many of us saw this coming. I think it could potentially be good for both. Novak didn’t have a coach before, so it was natural for him to seek one, but I didn’t expect it to be someone like Andy,” mentioned the 21-year-old Dane.
“Andy is obviously a super-intelligent player, and someone who has beaten him at times. I was thinking why exactly has this happened but they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players.
“They each have a really excessive IQ in tennis so I feel it may be attention-grabbing to see, however I’ll clearly attempt to beat them if I play Novak.”
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Murray’s finest pictures in opposition to Rafael Nadal, Rodger Federer and Djokovic on the ATP Tour
Thanasi Kokkinakis: Andy will do a great job
“There aren’t many people who can tell Novak much, but if anyone can, it’s Andy, someone who played in the same era and competed against him, so I’m sure he knows some things that he probably thinks would help. I think Andy will do a good job,” mentioned the previous Australian Open doubles champion.
What’s arising on Sky Sports activities Tennis?
- United Cup that includes Nice Britain – December 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Brisbane Worldwide (ATP 250) – December 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- ASB Traditional, Auckland (WTA 250) – December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025
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