Former tennis rivals Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have entered an unexpected new era, as the two recently announced that Murray will coach Djokovic for the Australian Open.
In a video montage posted on Instagram with a voice-over confirming the two are teaming up, Djokovic, 37, began by saying: “We’ve played with each other since we were boys — we’ve been rivals for 25 years, pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport.”
“We’ve been called game changers, risk takers, history makers. I thought our story was over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to stand in my corner. Welcome, coach — Andy Murray,” Djokovic continued.
Novak Djokovic.
Yasser Bakhsh/Getty
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In a statement about his new coaching position shared with The Associated Press, Murray, also 37, expressed his excitement for the role.
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Andy Murray.
Mike Egerton/PA Images/Getty
“I will join Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited about it and I’m looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net with Novak for a change, helping him achieve his goals,” said Murray.
Djokovic, whose 24 Grand Slam titles are the most in history, won his first Olympic gold medal at this summer’s Paris Games.
Novak Djokovic sobs in the stands with his children and wife after winning his first Olympic gold medal
“I don’t know what to say, I’m still in shock. I put my heart, my soul, my body, my family, my everything on the line to win Olympic gold,” he said according to The Athletic after his loss. “At the age of 37, I finally did it,” he added.
But otherwise, it was a disappointing 2024 for Djokovic, without a single Grand Slam victory.
Murray, meanwhile, announced his official retirement from tennis while also competing at the Paris Olympics. He initially planned to play men’s singles, before deciding to play only men’s doubles. Murray and partner Dan Evans lost in the quarterfinals to Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, ending his career.
Andy Murray jokes he ‘never liked tennis anyway’ as he retires after Olympic doubles defeat
“Obviously it was emotional because it’s the last time I play a competitive match,” Murray told the BBC. “But now I’m honestly happy. I’m happy with how it ended.”
“I don’t know what the next chapter will look like yet, I haven’t decided,” Murray said at the time.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education