In a surprising twist, Andy Murray, a former tennis champion, took on the role of coach for his long-time rival, Novak Djokovic, post his retirement from the sport. This revelation, a mere four months after his Olympic retirement, sent ripples through the tennis community, as the duo had spent many years contending for the same major titles.
Murray’s new role as Djokovic’s coach saw him guiding the Serbian player through the Australian Open, all the way up to the semi-finals. Unfortunately, an injury halted Djokovic’s advance, but not before he confirmed his intention to continue working with his British counterpart.
The duo has already paired up again in the United States for the ‘sunshine double’. Djokovic, currently ranking seventh in the world, has expressed his plan to keep Murray on his team throughout the summer season. “We’re going to speak after Miami, but the plan is to go all the way till the end of Roland Garros, and hopefully Wimbledon, too,” Djokovic stated.
However, not all fans are thrilled with this partnership. Some have expressed their preference for Murray to mentor an upcoming British talent, rather than aligning himself with an established Grand Slam champion. A poll by Express Sport revealed that 48% of their readership would rather see Murray coaching the young British tennis star, Jack Draper, who is currently ranked 14th in the world.
Last year, Draper had a breakthrough season, claiming two ATP titles, reaching the semi-finals of the US Open, and breaking into the world’s top 15. Fans believe that Murray’s guidance could propel the 23-year-old further up the ranks.
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Another potential coaching partnership that fans are rooting for is between Murray and Emma Raducanu, a former US Open champion. Raducanu, currently ranked 55th in the world, parted ways with her coach, Nick Cavaday, earlier this year. Since then, she has been working with interim coaches and is presently on a trial period with Vlado Platenik. Yet, 31% of Express Sport readers would prefer to see a coaching alliance between Raducanu and Murray.
However, for now, Murray remains committed to his coaching tenure with Djokovic. He is actively trying to enhance his coaching acumen, and Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is more than willing to help his old adversary excel in his new role.
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“It’s obviously a new role for him. He’s exploring it and trying to understand how he can excel in it,” Djokovic commented. He added, “I’m trying to communicate as much as I can on the court, off the court, for us to be able to connect better.”
As Djokovic prepares to kick off his Indian Wells campaign against Botic van de Zandschulp, he can count on Murray’s support from his corner.