Alexander Zverev jokes that Novak Djokovic is refusing to retire as a result of they agreed for the Serb to turn into his coach as soon as he’s achieved with professional tennis.
On Thursday, the German tennis star and the report 24-time Grand Slam champion clashed at Rod Laver Area in an exhibition match.
After the 37-year-old claimed a decent 7-6 (6) win, the 2 had some enjoyable throughout their on-court interviews.
Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic© X screenshot
“Me and Novak we have a deal that once he retires he’s going to coach me for a year. He’s postponing that so I retire so he doesn’t need to do that,” the 27-year-old joked.
Zverev’s humorous response to Djokovic hiring Andy Murray
In November, the previous world No. 1 shocked all the tennis world when he introduced Murray could be becoming a member of him for the Australian Open.
“What did I think? S—,” the world No. 2 replied.
“In a negative way for me, but in a positive way for him I guess. Look, he is a 24-time grand slam champion. I feel like it almost doesn’t matter anymore who he takes as a coach.”
For years, Zverev has been the most effective within the recreation however he stays with out a Grand Slam victory.
When addressing the Djokovic and Murray partnership, the 27-year-old joked that his wait will in all probability extend whereas the Serb will go on to 5 extra Grand Slams.
“His probably going to win five more while I still try to chase my first. The story continues. I get older, Novak is younger. We will still be here in 10 years time,” the German added.
In the meantime, the Australian Open draw was launched on Thursday and Zverev and Djokovic landed in the identical a part of the draw and will presumably meet within the semifinal.