Gael Monfils, Alex de Minaur, Holger Röhn and Jan-Lennard Struff discuss the new player-coach partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Djokovic recently shocked the tennis world by announcing that Murray, his former rival and three-time Grand Slam champion, would initially be his coach on a short-term arrangement for the Australian Open.
This decision came months after Djokovic ended his long partnership with Goran Ivanisevic last March, with the Scot agreeing to the role, less than four months after ending his career at the Paris Olympics.
Djokovic is equal with Margaret Court for the most singles titles won by any player with 24 Grand Slam titles, and the 37-year-old is now aiming for a record 11th title in Melbourne.
Gael Monfils: It's great for tennis
He added: “I was surprised because I didn't know because I asked Andy what he wanted to do and I know he loves tennis, he loves this sport but somehow we knew he wanted to give back to tennis and with Novak it's a big opportunity for him.” “Start like this,” said the Frenchman.
“I think it's really great that Novak is giving him this opportunity, it's great for tennis.”
Jan-Lennard Struff: He's very nice
The former world number 21 German said: “I think it's amazing. Andy is an idol and it's very nice that they are working together. I think it's very beautiful. When I was reading it I had a smile on my face because it's very nice and if I was going to choose a coach, I personally would like In getting Pete Sampras because he plays forward at the net and serves and volleys, I like his style of play and I want to learn a lot from him.
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Novak Djokovic explains why he chose 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,” the Australian, ranked ninth in the world, said.
“My first ever experience of something like this was when I was playing the Laver Cup when I was playing with Andy and I was walking at the end of the match when Andy was being coached by Roger (Federer), Rafa (Nadal) and Novak.” (Djokovic) That for me was one of the most surreal moments of my life when I go and play with Andy Murray – one of the 'Big Four' – and the 'Big Three' is coaching him against me and I'm wondering. “How many vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities are they telling Andy about,” so I can only imagine how that dynamic will play out.
“It will definitely be fun to watch and I will be keeping an eye on it.”
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Sky Sports Tennis' Jonathan Overend reports on Djokovic's decision to bring Murray into his team
Holger Röhn: I didn't expect it to be Andy
“It's an interesting group, that's for sure. I don't think many of us expected this. I think it could be good for both of them. Novak has never had a coach before, so it was natural for him to take over the team.” “I'm looking for one, but I didn't expect it to be someone like Andy,” the 21-year-old Dane said.
“Andy is obviously a super-intelligent player, and I beat him at times. I was thinking about why exactly that happened, but they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players.
He added: “They both have very high tennis IQ, so I think it will be interesting to see that, but obviously I will try to beat them both if I face Novak.”
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Murray's best hits against Rafael Nadal, Rodger Federer and Djokovic on the ATP Tour
Thanasi Kokkinakis: Andy will do a good job
“There's not a lot of people who can tell Novak a lot, but if there's anyone who can, it's Andy, and he's someone who played in the same era and competed against him, so I'm sure he knows some things that he thinks would probably help.” “I think Andy will do a good job,” the former Australian Open doubles champion said.
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