Murray to affix Djokovic’s teaching staff forward of Australian Open

Andy Murray of Britain (L) seems to be on as Novak Djokovic delivers a speech after the ultimate of French Open Males’s Singles Last match in Paris, France on June 5, 2016. — Reuters

Retired tennis nice Andy Murray has agreed to affix Novak Djokovic’s staff and can coach him on the Australian Open subsequent yr, the Serbian 24-times Grand Slam champion stated on Saturday.

Briton Murray retired after this yr’s Olympics in Paris the place Djokovic received the gold medal.

The 2 37-year-olds, each former world quantity ones, performed one another 36 occasions, with Djokovic profitable 25 matches on the ATP Tour.

“We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits,” Djokovic stated.

“We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us game changers, risk takers, history makers. I thought our story may be over, turns out it has one final chapter,” he stated. 

“It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board, coach Andy Murray,” the athlete added. 

Djokovic has received 9 of his 24 Grand Slams with Goran Ivanisevic as his coach however the Croatian left his staff in March.

“I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open,” stated Murray, a three-times Grand Slam winner and twice Olympic gold medallist.

“I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals,” he added. 

Djokovic didn’t win a serious this yr and has slipped to seventh on the earth rankings.

He will probably be concentrating on a record-extending eleventh Australian Open crown when the primary main of the yr begins on January 12.