Novak Djokovic has enjoyed working with new coach Andy Murray but admitted it is strange to reveal his secrets to the Scot having spent years battling against each other.
Murray, who only stepped away from playing at this summer’s Olympics, was a surprise hire by Djokovic in November ahead of the Australian Open.
The Serb had been without a full-time coach since parting ways with Goran Ivanisevic in March earlier this year and endured a frustrating 2024, failing to win a Grand Slam this year for the first time since 2017.
While Murray will not be in Djokovic’s box for the upcoming Brisbane International, the pair did spend ten days together before the World No.7 flew out to Australia.
And opening up on the partnership for the first time, the 24-time Grand Slam winner said that some aspects of their new relationship had taken a bit of time to get used to.
‘Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals,’ Djokovic told the ATP website.
‘In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals.’
Regardless, Djokovic is certain that his tennis form will benefit from Murray’s new-look perspective.
‘I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia,’ he added. ‘The 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional.
‘He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.
‘He has also played up to recently on the tour, so he knows all the other best players currently in the world, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So I look forward to it, I really do.
‘I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well.’
Djokovic will play his first-round match at the Brisbane International on Tuesday against Rinky Hijikata.
Djokovic will also partner Nick Kyrgios in the doubles in Brisbane as the Australian gears up for his Grand Slam return in Melbourne next month.
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