（ＣＮＮ） Men’s tennis player Novak Djokovic announced on the 23rd that he will appoint his former rival Andy Murray to his off-season and Australian Open coaching staff.
Murray announced his retirement after this summer’s Bali Olympics.
“We’ve been playing against each other since we were kids. We’ve been rivals for 25 years, pushing each other to the limit. We’ve had some of the fiercest battles in the sport,” Djokovic said in a video posted to social media.
Djokovic welcomed Murray’s appointment as coach, saying, “I thought our story was over, but now it turns out there is a final chapter. One of my most formidable opponents will be joining me as my coach.”
Andy Murray (right) backhands the ball back to Novak Djokovic during a 2021 practice session/Clive Brunskill/Getty Images/File
Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam tournaments, the most ever among men. With Murray appointed as his coach, he hopes to increase his number of wins even further at the Australian Open, which will be held in January next year.
“I’m thrilled that one of my greatest rivals will be on the same side of the net as my coach,” Djokovic said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.
Murray shared Djokovic’s excitement.
“I plan to join Novak’s team in the offseason to help prepare for the Australian Open,” Murray said, according to the Associated Press. Murray said he is looking forward to being on the same side of the net as Djokovic and helping him reach his goals.
