Novak Djokovic has described his resolution to group up with not too long ago retired rival Andy Murray as a shock to everybody however mentioned he couldn’t be extra excited by the prospect of the 2 former world No. 1s working collectively.
Murray agreed to affix Djokovic’s group final week and can coach the 24-time Grand Slam champion on the Australian Open subsequent 12 months.
“I used to be going by way of a means of fascinated by subsequent season within the final couple of months, and attempting to determine what I would like at this stage of my profession,” Djokovic advised Sky Sports activities on Friday.
“I ended with my coach Goran Ivanisevic, that I used to be very profitable with for a few years, in March. So I took about six months to essentially take into consideration if I [actually] want a coach, and if sure, who that is going to be and the profile of the coach.”
The 37-year-old mentioned he and his group thought of varied candidates for the job however the necessities had been strict.
“We had been going by way of completely different names and I realised the proper coach for me at this level could be somebody that has been by way of the experiences that I am going by way of, probably a a number of Grand Slam winner, former No. 1,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I used to be fascinated by completely different folks after which Andy Murray dialogue appeared on the desk with me and my group. [I decided] to present him a name and see the way it goes.
“It caught him a little bit bit off guard as nicely as a result of he wasn’t anticipating it, so we linked actually quick and he accepted after just a few days.”
Djokovic might be concentrating on a record-extending eleventh Australian Open crown underneath twice Wimbledon winner and thrice Grand Slam champion Murray’s steering when the primary main of the 12 months begins on Jan. 12.
“I could not be extra enthusiastic about it. This collaboration is a shock to me as nicely, to everybody,” Djokovic added.
“However it’s thrilling for tennis. He is been one in every of my biggest rivals. We’re the identical age. We have performed in all the most important stadiums in our sport. So I am unable to wait to get out on the court docket and put together for subsequent season.”