Novak Djokovic admitted it was “strange” to have Andy Murray as his coach, but believes he would benefit from one of his biggest rivals taking a “fresh look” at his game.
Murray, who retired after the Paris Olympics at the age of 37, made the shocking decision to join Djokovic's team in November and recently spent ten days with the Serbian player in preparation for the new season.
Although Murray will not be with Djokovic at the Brisbane International this week, the two-time Wimbledon champion will join him in Melbourne to train ahead of the Australian Open.
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Djokovic explains why he chose former rival Murray as his new coach
“Being on the same side of the net is great for a change because he was one of my greatest rivals,” Djokovic said. ATP website.
“In a way, it was strange for me to share all these thoughts about how I feel on the court, and share some secrets about what I'm going through, what I'm thinking about, and how I see my game with someone who has always been one of my top competitors.
“But I am very happy and very grateful that he agreed to work with me here in Australia.
“The 10 days we spent together were amazing. I enjoyed every bit of it. He is very meticulous, very dedicated, and very professional.”
“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest competitors I've ever faced. He knows the pros and cons of my game.
“He's also recently played on the Tour, so he knows the other best players currently in the world, the youth and the weaknesses and strengths of their game. So I'm looking forward to it, I'm really looking forward to it.”
“I think he brings a new outlook to my game and I think I'll be able to benefit from that, without a doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion mentality that he has, I'm sure we'll fit in very well.”
Djokovic blames 'lack of transparency' in Sinner doping case
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Nick Kyrgios has spoken out after Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner both faced doping charges
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also spoke of his frustration at being “kept in the dark” over the Jannik Sinner doping issue, accusing the game's authorities of double standards and a lack of transparency.
It was announced in August that Sinner had failed two drug tests in March, but was cleared of wrongdoing, while in November Iga Swiatek was banned for a month for failing a test due to taking a contaminated drug.
“It's not a good image, it's not a good look for our sport,” Djokovic said. “I think in the last 20 years that I've been playing on the pro tour, we've been one of the cleanest sports.
“I'm just wondering how the system really works and why some players aren't treated the same way as other players. The problem is a lack of consistency and transparency.
“We have been kept in the dark regarding Yannick's case. I do question whether he took the banned substance intentionally or not.
“I believe in fair sport, I believe a player will do everything he can to play fair and I have known Yannick since he was very young – he doesn't strike me as someone who could do such a thing.
“But I was really frustrated, like most players, when I saw that we had been in the dark for five months,” he added.
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A look at Sinner's best and biggest moments from 2024
The Olympic gold medalist will seek to win his 100th ATP Tour title in Brisbane before seeking his 11th Australian Open title and a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.
