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Novak Djokovic (left) and Andy Murray, who won the French Open final in May 2016, are holding hands and sharing a friendship. Djokovic made a surprise announcement on the 24th that he was hiring coach Murray. AFP file photo |
“We had an epic war with Andy Murray (England). You might have thought our narrative was over, but there was one last chapter left. “The most powerful opponent is on my side.”
‘Tennis legend’ Novak Djokovic (37, Serbia) announced this through social media on the 24th (Korean time) when he surprisingly recruited Murray, a peer of the same age who was his rival during his playing days, as a coach.
Djokovic will accompany Murray under his guidance ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. The Australian Open, the first major tournament of the season, will be held in Melbourne from January 12 to 26 next year.
They were born in May 1987 and are one week older. Their first confrontation began in 1998 when they were 11 years old, foreshadowing a 26-year rivalry. Djokovic faced Murray four times in the Australian Open finals in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016 and won all of them, so Murray has no Australian Open trophy. He also lost to Murray in the 2016 French Open final.
Murray also took revenge on Djokovic in the 2012 U.S. Open and 2013 Wimbledon finals, taking away the world’s No. 1 ranking. Murray, a three-time major winner, recorded 11 wins and 25 losses in his match against Djokovic.
Murray retired after the Paris Olympics last August.
Djokovic won a gold medal at this Olympics, but failed to win a major title for the first time since 2017. In addition, it was the first season since 2005 in which he did not win a professional tennis (ATP) tournament, and his world ranking fell to 7th. When Djokovic recruited Murray, he called him on the court as a coach, saying, “Anyway, he doesn’t like retirement.”
Murray, who took the opportunity to appease the disappointment of being absent from the Australian Open through Djokovic, said, “I will help him achieve his goal in the same net as Djokovic.” Although Murray’s coaching ability has not been verified, it is clear that he is one of the few people who can advise and guide the 24-time winner of major tournaments, the most in history.
Murray was called the ‘Big Four’ along with Djokovic, the recently retired Rafael Nadal (38, Spain) and Roger Federer (43, Switzerland).
Senior Reporter Lee Ki-cheol
▶ Military Inside
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