Jimmy Connors thinks there are methods wherein Andy Murray will help Novak Djokovic however the American tennis legend additionally highlights that there aren’t any ensures that this will probably be a profitable partnership or one thing that may final past every week.
In early October, Serbian Davis Cup staff captain Viktor Troicki instructed native reporters that the report 24-time Grand Slam champion was set to rent a very massive identify. Nonetheless, the Serb hiring one of many greatest rivals – who retired simply 4 months earlier – was in all probability not in anyone’s playing cards for the 2025 season.
Initially, the complete tennis neighborhood was left shocked, with the bulk being additionally excited on the similar time. On the opposite facet, some have been crucial of the partnership, describing it as one thing that was finished somewhat for leisure functions.
However realizing Djokovic and his need to attain success, that principle was shortly debunked by many.
Connors, a former eight-time Grand Slam champion, believes Murray’s presence might carry the sense of “comfort” to the 37-year-old as a result of they know one another extraordinarily properly tennis-wise. And if that is the case, that would presumably assist the Serb compete higher towards the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz subsequent 12 months.
“I think it enters a comfort zone. They have competed against each other, they know each other’s game, they have spent time together – not only on the court, playing great matches – but also off the court. There comes a point in time in your later years where if you feel comfortable and relaxed with the people around you, that allows you to go out and attempt to play your best tennis and give it your all,” the American tennis legend said on the Advantage Connors podcast.
Jimmy Connors© © YouTube screenshot
Connors on the Djokovic – Murray collab: You have to give it a shot but it may only last a week…
However, according to reports from British media, Murray won’t be in Brisbane. In that case, their debut would come at Melbourne Park – as initially planned.
Should Djokovic do well at the Australian Open, it would be hard not to see the Briton being a part of his team in some other Grand Slams in 2025. But if the Serb doesn’t do well in Melbourne, the question would be what happens next with their collaboration.
“The older you get, it’s tougher to push yourself. You look at Djoker and he does everything to get himself in prime condition. If he’s around someone who he feels comfortable with now – not that those in the past he didn’t feel comfortable with – but as you get older, things change,” Connors added.
“Your mind changes, your outlook changes, your feelings change and all that. If you can go and be more relaxed going into tennis, it allows you to play even better. Maybe that is a good thing, (but) it also might only last a week, you don’t know. You have to give it a shot though, I like what he is doing. He is doing whatever he can to go another year at the right level.”
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray© YouTube screenshot
Why Djokovic hired Murray in first place?
In April, the record 24-time Major winner made a big call and decided to part ways with his coach of six years Goran Ivanisevic. In the rest of the year, he didn’t have a full-time coach but was assisted by some of the coaches from the Serbian Tennis Federation.
And when Djokovic decided to hire someone again, he wanted it to be someone who knew him and could understand him perfectly. When he gave a call to Murray, the former two-time Wimbledon champion was surprised. But after only a few days, he accepted the offer.
“I wished to take my time to search out out whether or not I wanted a brand new coach or not. The choice was sure, nevertheless it needed to be a tennis legend. Since I used to be very younger, I’ve performed towards him… and there aren’t many individuals who’ve gained a number of Grand Slam titles. Andy has recognized me since I used to be very younger, from the age of 12 or 13. He is aware of my sport and all the things that I’ve been by means of very properly. He is aware of the issues which might be flawed with my sport, all of my errors,” the Serb defined.
It is going to be fascinating to see how the Djokovic and Murray partnership kicks off on the Australian Open.
