Andy Murray aspires to make Novak Djokovic ‘the best sportsperson ever’ as returning Scot bids to lead Serbian hotshot to Australian Open Grand Slam glory
As he prepares to step into the coaching box for the first time on Monday, Andy Murray says his goal is to help Novak Djokovic become not just the best tennis player, but the best athlete of all time.
“Novak has cemented himself as the best tennis player of all time in recent years with the records he has set,” the Scot said.
If he can win more slams in the coming years as a 38, 39 year old and beat Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in big matches, he has a claim to be the best athlete of all time. that’s exciting for me and his team to be a part of.”
On Monday morning at 8am UK time, Djokovic will play Nishesh Basavareddy, who at 19 is half his age, in the first round of the Australian Open. It’s the start of what feels like a huge year in the twilight zone of Djokovic’s career.
He failed to reach any finals on tour last year, but fueled himself at the Olympics, producing one of his best matches against Alcaraz in the final. That Olympic gold for Serbia was Djokovic’s white whale – ultimately achieving it, he said, was the crowning achievement of his career.
With nothing left to win, he must show this year that he still has the hunger to succeed – and the skill and strength of body and mind to beat Alcaraz and Sinner.
Andy Murray says his goal is to help Novak Djokovic become the best athlete of all time
Murray coaches Djokovic at the Australian Open as the Serbian eyes a 25th Grand Slam
Djokovic starts his Australian Open campaign against unseeded Nishesh Basavareddy
“In my opinion, watching his games last year, there was a little bit missing at times,” Murray said. ‘But that wasn’t there at the Olympics.
‘The injury around the French Open (a torn meniscus) just before the Olympic Games probably caught his attention. He had a great Wimbledon, a tough final there (beaten by Alcaraz), but after knee surgery it is an incredible result.
‘When he was fully motivated and focused, he won the Olympics. It was only natural that there would be a bit of disappointment after that, because he had set himself one goal and one goal for the year and he did just that: he achieved the last thing he thought was necessary.
“So for me and his team it’s about finding the motivation to keep going and strive for more.”
The unique thing about this alliance is that Murray and Djokovic, who have twenty years of experience in keeping secrets from each other, now have to reveal everything.
Djokovic said, “All the cards are open on the table,” and Murray agreed.
“He has been incredibly open,” said the Scot. ‘The first few days it was a bit strange. But we both tried to encourage that communication and build that trust. It was fascinating.’
Murray and Djokovic have kept secrets for twenty years, but now they must reveal everything
Djokovic and Murray are benefiting from the relationship they previously shared as players
Djokovic hopes Murray’s coaching guidance can help him claim glory at the Australian Open
One man who has been watching the new partnership up close is British No. 1 Jack Draper (pictured), who practiced with Djokovic on Wednesday
One man who has been watching the new partnership up close is British No. 1 Jack Draper, who practiced with Djokovic on Wednesday.
“They keep their secrets internally, but it was great to have Andy on the court and I think he will add a lot to Novak’s game,” Draper said.
Murray has been a great supporter of British tennis and there is a feeling that if he continues in his new career he will end up working with one of his compatriots.
While Draper wants to move on to the next level, it’s far from a leap to imagine he could one day bring his former Davis Cup teammate on board.
Draper is fully committed to his coach James Trotman, but he refused to rule out the possibility of working with Murray at some point in the future.
“Let’s see what happens later,” the 23-year-old said. “I’ve definitely asked him about my game in the past and he’s always been great at analyzing my game. He has such a great tennis brain.
“Whatever he brings to a team will have a very positive impact. And his personality too, he’s fun to be around and all the things on the pitch he’s a master at.
“Right now I’m happy with my current setup, but it’s really exciting to see him come back to tennis and feel like he wants to be part of that.”