‘Incredible, surprise, shock.’ – Djokovic-Murray partnership players

Gael Monfils, Alex de Minaur, Holger Rune and Jan-Lennard Struff discuss the new player-coach partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Djokovic recently shocked the tennis world by announcing that Murray, his former rival and three-time Grand Slam champion, would be his coach initially on a short-term deal for the Australian Open.

This decision came months after Djokovic ended his long-term partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March, with the Scot accepting the role, less than four months after ending his career at the Paris Olympics.

Djokovic is level with Margaret Court docket for the most major singles titles won by any player with 24 Grand Slams and the 37-year-old is now aiming to win a record 11th title in Melbourne.

Gael Monfils: “It’s fantastic for tennis”

“I was surprised I didn’t know because I even asked Andy what he wanted to do and I know he loves tennis, he loves the sport, but somehow we knew he wanted to give something back to tennis and with Novak it’s a great opportunity for him.” start like this,” said the Frenchman.

“I think it’s fantastic that Novak gave him the opportunity; “It’s fantastic for tennis.”

Jan-Lennard Struff: Es tan bonito

“I think it’s incredible,” said the former German world number 21. “Andy is an idol and it is so nice that they are working together. I think it’s very cute. When I was reading it, a smile appeared on my face because “He is very nice and if I had to choose a coach, I would personally like to have Pete Sampras because he played towards the purple, served and volleyed. “I like his style of play and I would like to learn a lot from him.”

Alex de Minaur: a shock for the world of tennis

“I think the announcement was a complete shock to the tennis world. “It’s crazy to watch,” said the Australian world number 9.

“The first experience I had with something like that was when I was playing in the Laver Cup when I was playing against Andy and I was walking in the changeover when Andy was being coached by Roger. [Federer]rafa [Nadal] y novak [Djokovic] So for me it was one of the most surreal moments of my life. Going and facing Andy Murray, one of the ‘big four’, being trained by the ‘big three’ against me and I’m wondering ‘how many weaknesses and holes they’re telling Andy about’, so I can only imagine what that dynamic will be like. . is going to go

“It will definitely be fun to watch and I will keep an eye out for it.”

Holger Rune: I didn’t expect it to be Andy

“It’s an interesting setup, that’s for sure. I don’t think many of us saw it coming. I think it could potentially be good for both of us. “Novak didn’t have a coach before, so it was natural for him. I looked for one, but I didn’t expect it to be someone like Andy,” said the 21-year-old Dane.

“Andy is obviously a super smart player, and someone who has beaten him at times. I was thinking exactly why this happened, but they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players.

“They both have a very high tennis IQ, so I think it will be interesting to see, but obviously I will try to beat them if I play against Novak.”

Thanasi Kokkinakis: Andy will do a good job

“There aren’t many people who can tell Novak much, but if anyone can, it’s Andy, someone who played in the same era and competed against him, so I’m sure he knows some things that he probably thinks would help him. I think Andy will do a good job,” said the former Australian Open doubles champion.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

• United Cup with Great Britain – December 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Brisbane Worldwide (ATP 250) – December 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• ASB Basic, Auckland (WTA 250) – December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025

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