Jimmy Connors thinks there are methods through which Andy Murray may help Novak Djokovic however the American tennis legend additionally highlights that there aren’t any ensures that this might be a profitable partnership or one thing that can final past every week.
In early October, Serbian Davis Cup staff captain Viktor Troicki instructed native reporters that the report 24-time Grand Slam champion was set to rent a very massive identify. Nevertheless, the Serb hiring one of many largest rivals – who retired simply 4 months earlier – was in all probability not in anyone’s playing cards for the 2025 season.
Initially, the complete tennis group was left shocked, with the bulk being additionally excited on the identical time. On the opposite facet, some had been vital of the partnership, describing it as one thing that was achieved moderately for leisure functions.
However realizing Djokovic and his want to realize success, that principle was rapidly debunked by many.
Connors, a former eight-time Grand Slam champion, believes Murray’s presence may convey the sense of “consolation” to the 37-year-old as a result of they know one another extraordinarily properly tennis-wise. And if that is the case, that would probably assist the Serb compete higher in opposition to the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz subsequent yr.
“I feel it enters a consolation zone. They’ve competed in opposition to one another, they know one another’s sport, they’ve frolicked collectively – not solely on the court docket, enjoying nice matches – but in addition off the court docket. There comes a cut-off date in your later years the place in the event you really feel snug and relaxed with the individuals round you, that permits you to exit and try and play your finest tennis and provides it your all,” the American tennis legend mentioned on the Benefit Connors podcast.
Connors on the Djokovic – Murray collab: You need to give it a shot however it might solely final every week…
After they introduced the information, it was particularly talked about that they’d be becoming a member of forces for the Australian Open. Within the meantime, the previous world No. 1 additionally signed as much as play the Brisbane Worldwide, which takes place within the first week of 2025.
Nevertheless, in response to stories from British media, Murray will not be in Brisbane. In that case, their debut would come at Melbourne Park – as initially deliberate.
Ought to Djokovic do properly on the Australian Open, it will be laborious to not see the Briton being part of his staff in another Grand Slams in 2025. But when the Serb does not do properly in Melbourne, the query could be what occurs subsequent with their collaboration.
“The older you get, it’s harder to push your self. You have a look at Djoker and he does all the things to get himself in prime situation. If he’s round somebody who he feels snug with now – not that these prior to now he didn’t really feel snug with – however as you become older, issues change,” Connors added.
“Your thoughts adjustments, your outlook adjustments, your emotions change and all that. For those who can go and be extra relaxed going into tennis, it permits you to play even higher. Possibly that may be a good factor, (however) it additionally may solely final every week, you don’t know. You need to give it a shot although, I like what he’s doing. He’s doing no matter he can to go one other yr on the proper stage.”
Why Djokovic employed Murray in first place?
In April, the report 24-time Main winner made a giant name and determined to half methods together with his coach of six years Goran Ivanisevic. In the remainder of the yr, he did not have a full-time coach however was assisted by a number of the coaches from the Serbian Tennis Federation.
And when Djokovic determined to rent somebody once more, he needed it to be somebody who knew him and will perceive him completely. When he gave a name to Murray, the previous two-time Wimbledon champion was shocked. However after only some days, he accepted the supply.
“I needed to take my time to seek out out whether or not I wanted a brand new coach or not. The choice was sure, however it needed to be a tennis legend. Since I used to be very younger, I’ve performed in opposition to him… and there should not many individuals who’ve gained a number of Grand Slam titles. Andy has identified me since I used to be very younger, from the age of 12 or 13. He is aware of my sport and all the things that I’ve been via very properly. He is aware of the issues which might be flawed with my sport, all of my errors,” the Serb defined.
Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how the Djokovic and Murray partnership kicks off on the Australian Open.
