Spanish tennis legend considers Andy Murray’s appointment as Novak Djokovic’s coach an ‘explosive combination’

Andy Murray will start his role as Novak Djokovic's coach in the coming days as a build up for the Australian Open.

Spanish tennis legend considers Andy Murray’s appointment as Novak Djokovic’s coach an ‘explosive combination’

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (via Imago)

Former ATP Finals champion Alex Corretja is as surprised as everyone else by Andy Murray’s appointment as Novak Djokovic’s head coach. The Serbian star announced the unexpected news on his Instagram, leaving the tennis world stunned.

Corretja, who won the Davis Cup with Spain in 2000, believes that although this decision came as a shock, it could work well for Djokovic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has been without a coach since parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year.

YouTube video

I was completely shocked. I must have realized for, let’s say, 10 seconds, 15 seconds and immediately I thought: ‘What a smart move from Novak and Andy, at the same time’. I feel that Novak needs big, huge incentives, and he wants to bring someone special, someone who understands the game very well, that he has played for the last 15–20 years on the tour, and he has just retired. Once you retire and you go away for a long time, it is more and more difficult to come back.

Alex Corretja via on Eurosport

Djokovic and Murray have faced each other in some of the most memorable matches in Grand Slam history. The 2012 Australian Open semifinal and the 2012 US Open final instantly come to mind for tennis fans when recalling their rivalry.

Andy has always seen things very clearly, when you sit down with him. He knows exactly how he wants to train for tournaments. He also wants to play the way he wants to play during matches. So I think it is an explosive combination, but one that could work very well.

Alex Corretja said on Eurosport

Murray has had a tough history in Australia, losing four of his five finals at the Rod Laver Arena to Djokovic. Now, as part of Djokovic’s team, he might finally experience victory Down Under.

Novak Djokovic reveals his favorite story of Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic recently shared a special story about Rafael Nadal from their time off the court. He also talked about his favorite match memory with the Spaniard, his longtime rival and friend.

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (2)
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal (Image via X)

My best Rafa story, privately, was seeing him dance in Colombia when we played an exhibition match together in 2011.

Novak Djokovic said on ATP Tour

Nadal retired from professional tennis after playing his last match at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The Spanish legend ended his career with a loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in Spain’s quarter-final match against the Netherlands. Spain lost the tie 2-1.

Earlier this year, Djokovic and Nadal faced each other for the last time during the Paris Olympics. It was their 60th meeting, with Djokovic winning. No other male players in the Open Era have played as many matches against each other.

In a tribute video shared by the ATP Tour, Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray honored Nadal. Many other sports stars also joined in to celebrate Nadal’s incredible career.