Martina Navratilova admits Andy Murray’s decision to accept Novak Djokovic’s coaching offer ‘surprised’ her
Novak Djokovic added Andy Murray to his team last year in November after the Scot hung up his racket at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Andy Murrya, Martina Navratilova, Novak Djokovic (Images via X, Today Show)
Tennis great Martina Navratilova has admitted that the news of Novak Djokovic adding Andy Murray to his coaching team surprised her. The former rivals are in Melbourne for the ongoing Australian Open where Djokovic is bidding to win his 11th title.
Murray retired at the 2024 Paris Olympics in August, and about four months afterward, he signed a coaching deal with the Serb. It was Djokovic who initiated the idea of being coached by the three-time Grand Slam singles champion and the Scot admitted in a recent interview that he couldn’t turn down the opportunity.
When somebody like Djokovic asks you, you say yes. But still, I’m surprised that emotionally, he felt ready to get back into the cauldron again.
Martina Navratilova said on Tennis Channel
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne without adding a title to his Grand Slam tally in over 12 months, last winning at the 2023 US Open and coming close to it by reaching the 2024 Wimbledon final. Last year, he not only failed to win a Major for the first time since 2017 but was trophyless on the tour, winning just the Olympic gold medal.
Martina Navratilova predicts best behavior from Novak Djokovic under Andy Murray
The tennis community is eagerly waiting to see how Novak Djokovic performs under Andy Murray, but they are also interested in seeing whether Djokovic will be shouting at his box with the Brit in it. Martina Navratilova thinks Murray’s presence will help Djokovic stay positive even under tense moments.
Novak can get really down on himself. He’s been mouthing off at his box, but I don’t think he’ll be doing that to Andy, and that’ll help him stay positive when something bad happens and he’ll be so much stronger, mentally, just for that reason. He’ll be on his best behavior.
Martina Navratilova said on Tennis Channel
Murray wasn’t in Djokovic’s box at the Brisbane International, which was the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s first tournament of the season. In singles, he reached the quarterfinals where Reilly Opelka upset him in straight sets, while in doubles, he and Nick Kyrgios got knocked out after defeat to Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the second round.
At the 2025 Australian Open, the 37-year-old Serb is scheduled to play his first-round match against 19-year-old wild card entrant Nishesh Basavareddy on Monday (January 13). Last year at Melbourne Park, Djokovic was defeated by current World No.1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinal.
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Gouri Das
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