Jimmy Connors thinks there are methods during which Andy Murray might help Novak Djokovic however the American tennis legend additionally highlights that there are not any ensures that this will probably be a profitable partnership or one thing that can final past per week.
In early October, Serbian Davis Cup group captain Viktor Troicki instructed native reporters that the report 24-time Grand Slam champion was set to rent a extremely massive identify. Nonetheless, the Serb hiring one of many largest rivals – who retired simply 4 months earlier – was in all probability not in anyone’s playing cards for the 2025 season.
Initially, your complete tennis group was left shocked, with the bulk being additionally excited on the identical time. On the opposite aspect, some have been essential of the partnership, describing it as one thing that was executed somewhat for leisure functions.
However understanding Djokovic and his need to realize success, that principle was shortly debunked by many.
Connors, a former eight-time Grand Slam champion, believes Murray’s presence might convey the sense of “consolation” to the 37-year-old as a result of they know one another extraordinarily nicely tennis-wise. And if that is the case, that would probably assist the Serb compete higher towards the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz subsequent 12 months.
“I feel it enters a consolation zone. They’ve competed towards one another, they know one another’s recreation, they’ve hung out collectively – not solely on the court docket, taking part in nice matches – but additionally off the court docket. There comes a cut-off date in your later years the place in the event you really feel snug and relaxed with the individuals round you, that lets you exit and try to play your greatest tennis and provides it your all,” the American tennis legend stated on the Benefit Connors podcast.
Connors on the Djokovic – Murray collab: It’s important to give it a shot however it might solely final per week…
Once they introduced the information, it was particularly talked about that they might be becoming a member of forces for the Australian Open. Within the meantime, the previous world No. 1 additionally signed as much as play the Brisbane Worldwide, which takes place within the first week of 2025.
Nonetheless, in accordance with stories from British media, Murray will not be in Brisbane. In that case, their debut would come at Melbourne Park – as initially deliberate.
Ought to Djokovic do nicely on the Australian Open, it could be arduous to not see the Briton being part of his group in another Grand Slams in 2025. But when the Serb does not do nicely in Melbourne, the query can be what occurs subsequent with their collaboration.
“The older you get, it’s more durable to push your self. You have a look at Djoker and he does all the things to get himself in prime situation. If he’s round somebody who he feels snug with now – not that these up to now he didn’t really feel snug with – however as you grow old, issues change,” Connors added.
“Your thoughts modifications, your outlook modifications, your emotions change and all that. If you happen to can go and be extra relaxed going into tennis, it lets you play even higher. Possibly that could be a good factor, (however) it additionally would possibly solely final per week, you don’t know. It’s important to give it a shot although, I like what he’s doing. He’s doing no matter he can to go one other 12 months on the proper stage.”
Why Djokovic employed Murray in first place?
In April, the report 24-time Main winner made a giant name and determined to half methods together with his coach of six years Goran Ivanisevic. In the remainder of the 12 months, he did not have a full-time coach however was assisted by among the coaches from the Serbian Tennis Federation.
And when Djokovic determined to rent somebody once more, he wished it to be somebody who knew him and will perceive him completely. When he gave a name to Murray, the previous two-time Wimbledon champion was stunned. However after just a few days, he accepted the provide.
“I wished to take my time to search out out whether or not I wanted a brand new coach or not. The choice was sure, but it surely needed to be a tennis legend. Since I used to be very younger, I’ve performed towards him… and there usually are not many individuals who’ve received a number of Grand Slam titles. Andy has recognized me since I used to be very younger, from the age of 12 or 13. He is aware of my recreation and all the things that I’ve been by means of very nicely. He is aware of the issues which might be flawed with my recreation, all of my errors,” the Serb defined.
It is going to be attention-grabbing to see how the Djokovic and Murray partnership kicks off on the Australian Open.
