Novak Djokovic surprised everyone with his choice to partner with his recently retired adversary Andy Murray, but he expressed excitement about the possibility of the two former world No. 1s working together. Murray will coach the 24-time Grand Slam champion at the Australian Open next year after agreeing to join Djokovic’s squad last week.
“I was going through a process of thinking about next season in the last couple of months, and trying to figure out what I need at this stage of my career,” Novak Djokovic told Sky Sports on Friday. Also read: Who is Federico Coria Girlfriend? Know all about Firenze
“We were going through different names and I realized the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone that has been through the experiences that I’m going through, possibly a multiple Grand Slam winner, former No. 1,” Djokovic said.
The 37-year-old claimed that although the qualifications were stringent, he and his staff took into account a number of applicants for the position.
“I stopped with my coach Goran Ivanisevic, that I was very successful with for many years, in March. So I took about six months to really think about if I [actually] need a coach, and if yes, who that’s going to be and the profile of the coach.”
When the first major of the year starts on January 12, Djokovic will be aiming for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title under the tutelage of Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and twice Wimbledon winner. Djokovic expressed his excitement, stating that the partnership surprised everyone, including himself. Also read: Billie Jean King: first female athlete to be awarded Congressional Gold Medal
However, it’s thrilling for tennis. He has been one of my fiercest opponents. Our ages are identical. We have performed at every stadium in our sport. I am therefore eager to play and get ready for the upcoming season.”