Murray could not turn down ‘unique’ Djokovic opportunity

Andy Murray says he had to accept the “unique opportunity” to coach Novak Djokovic for the upcoming Australian Open.

Murray made the first public comments about the partnership after revealing that he had an unanticipated conversation with Djokovic during a phone call in his car.

The 37-year-old Briton only retired from playing professionally in August.

After the couple had spoken, Murray agreed to help Djokovic in Melbourne on a trial basis.

Serbia’s Djokovic is aiming to win a record-extending 11th Australian Open title, as well as a 25th major which would put him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court in terms of all-time victories.

“]Novak] asked if I would be interested in helping, which I obviously wasn’t expecting”, said Murray.

“I said to him: ‘ Look, I need to think about it and talk to my family. ‘

” So I spoke to them, and after a couple of days, I thought that it was a pretty unique opportunity and experience.

At the Paris Olympics, Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, ended his career where he frequently squared off against Djokovic.

He and his wife Kim and their four children, Kim and Kim, spent more time at home in the months that followed, while also improving his golfing technique.

The tennis world was shocked when he learned he was partnering up with Djokovic in November, the first time he and him met when they were just 12-year-olds competing in junior tournaments.

“I was playing golf, and we’d been exchanging messages. Novak had messaged me, just wanting to chat”, Murray explained further.

Then, while playing on the 17th hole, the golf course’s owner said, “Do you know what’s next?” ‘. I was like: ‘ No, not really’.

” He said: ‘ Do you have any plans to do any coaching? ‘ And I said, ‘ Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse to do right now’.

“Then 30 minutes later, I was in the car and called Novak, and we had a conversation”.

Murray, who said his wife Kim was “very supportive” of the idea, has not ruled out coaching Djokovic on a longer-term basis.

Before reuniting in Melbourne this week, the pair previously worked together in Spain last month.

You can tell Murray would have laughed if it had been suggested to him in Paris that he would return to the game and coach Djokovic five months later.

There will be little, if any, japing around in Melbourne.

The pair are both born winners and are aware of what it takes to be the best.

From the glimpses this week, it is clear anything less than Djokovic landing a record-extending 11th title would be unsatisfactory.

“At times it’s very enjoyable. However, Murray argued that high performance is not meant to be snobbling and making up.

“In all the times I’ve been on tour, I haven’t seen that from any of the best players in the world.

” I’ve seen it from some of the lower ranked players, and that’s one of the reasons why they’re not there. “

During Djokovic’s open practice sessions against Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Arthur Fils on Rod Laver Arena, Murray watched every movement intently.

Murray frequently offered feedback, shouted praise after winners, and took notes during the practice sets while stood close behind Djokovic.

He also made observations about Boris Bosnjakovic, who was Djokovic’s training facility in Belgrade before he joined the team in May after retiring as long-term coach, Goran Ivanisevic.

Making minor adjustments to the situation and working with him and the entire team are important things, Murray said.

And what about when things aren’t going so well? Although Murray and Djokovic are known for making loud noises in their boxes, Murray might find himself in the wrong hands this time.

He’s going to want to vent toward his team and his box, Murray said, “I know it’s not easy out there.”