Novak Djokovic has credited Andy Murray with “bringing a recent look” to his sport as he prepares for his first event since naming his long-time rival as his new coach.
Djokovic, the lads’s report 24-time main winner, will start his 2025 season on the Brisbane Worldwide in opposition to Australian Rinky Hijikata subsequent week.
The Serb, 37, can be with out Britain’s three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, who retired from tennis in August, in Brisbane earlier than they unite previous to the Australian Open, which begins on 12 January.
“He has a singular perspective on my sport as one of many best rivals I’ve had. He is aware of the professionals and cons of my sport,” Djokovic stated of Murray.
“He performed till lately on the tour, so he is aware of all the opposite finest gamers at the moment on the planet, the children, and the weaknesses and strengths of their sport. I sit up for it, I actually do.
“I feel he is bringing a recent look to my sport and I will be capable to profit from that, little question, on the courtroom. But in addition that champion mentality he has, I am certain we’ll match very effectively.”
Djokovic announced in November that he’ll work with Murray till the conclusion of the Australian Open earlier than making a choice on any longer-term partnership.
The Olympic gold medallist will intention to win his one centesimal ATP singles title in Brisbane earlier than chasing a record-extending eleventh Australian Open title.
Victory at Melbourne Park subsequent month would see Djokovic, at the moment stage with Margaret Courtroom on 24, obtain the outright report for many Grand Slam titles.
Following a 2024 season wherein Djokovic didn’t win one of many 4 annual majors – solely the second time that has occurred since 2010 – he’s planning a busier schedule in 2025 after dropping to world quantity seven.
“I am planning to play a number of extra tournaments than I did final season,” Djokovic stated.
“Hopefully the extent can be going to go up and as a consequence I will be capable to hopefully win a number of tournaments and get my rating larger.”