Ivan Ljubicic, the former coach of Roger Federer, recently shared insights into the exciting partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, which was announced following Murray’s retirement from professional tennis. Ljubicic reached out to both players after the news broke, expressing his support for their collaboration, which he believes will see Murray accompany Djokovic at Grand Slam events and select other major tournaments.
On November 23, Djokovic, a record 24-time Grand Slam champion, surprised the tennis world by revealing that Murray would join his team for the upcoming Australian Open. The two players, who once shared one of the sport’s greatest rivalries, will now work together as Murray looks to contribute to Djokovic’s continued success.
Ljubicic, a former world No. 3 who retired in 2012, began coaching Federer in 2016, helping the Swiss star end a five-year Grand Slam drought at the 2017 Australian Open and secure two more titles before his retirement in 2022. He expressed enthusiasm for the Djokovic-Murray partnership, stating, “It’s fantastic for the sport. I wrote a message to both of them to tell them how excited I was and that I understood their decision. I hope the outcome will be positive.”
Ljubicic envisions Murray participating primarily in Grand Slams and select key tournaments, noting the intriguing dynamic of their relationship: “We know how they are! Who’s going to say what to the other? It’s very interesting!”
Djokovic’s decision to collaborate with Murray comes after a successful 2023 season, during which he added 12 Grand Slam titles to his collection. However, following a less-than-ideal start to 2024, rumors surfaced about a potential split with his longtime coach, Goran Ivanisevic, which was confirmed in April. Djokovic briefly worked with Nenad Zimonjic and others from the Serbian Tennis Federation before considering new coaching options for 2025.
Reflecting on his search for a coach who could relate to his experiences, Djokovic identified Murray as an ideal fit. “I realized at this point the perfect coach would be someone who has been through the experiences I have been through. A multiple Grand Slam winner,” Djokovic explained to Sky Sports. After reaching out to Murray, he was pleasantly surprised by the swift connection they established.
Murray, who had received multiple coaching offers since his retirement but turned them down, accepted Djokovic’s proposal after a brief period of contemplation. Djokovic expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, to everyone, but it is exciting for tennis.”
As the tennis world anticipates the upcoming season, if Djokovic secures his 11th Australian Open title in January, fans can expect to see more of Murray supporting him throughout 2025.
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