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NOVAK DJOKOVIC has already faced his initial reprimand from his new coach Andy Murray – even before their notable partnership truly begins.
The 37-year-old Serbian is presently in Qatar for the upcoming Grand Prix and had the chance to meet F1 driver George Russell during an exclusive tour of the Mercedes pit garage.
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As the tennis season is currently in a break, Djokovic will soon head to Melbourne for the Australian Open to start working with his former rival Murray.
Upon discovering that the former world No. 1 was attending a motorsport event in the Middle East, Murray commented: “He should be on the practice court.”
In reply, Djokovic, who is a seven-time Wimbledon champion, stated: “Sorry coach, I’ll return shortly.”
Their new collaboration was revealed last weekend, which surprised Murray when Djokovic suggested he take up the role of his coach starting in 2025.
The 37-year-old Scot retired after the Paris Olympics, finally coming to terms with his injury struggles.
Djokovic remarked: “This partnership is as surprising for me as it is for everyone else, but it’s an exciting time for tennis.
“I am still eager to compete vigorously because I think my body is still in good shape. I remain driven to win Grand Slams and create more history.
“That’s a key reason why I invited Andy to join me, as I have significant ambitions. As long as that motivation persists, I will continue pressing on.
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This agreement, resulting from a brainstorming discussion, is initially for the Melbourne Slam but may extend further based on its success.
Djokovic has defeated Murray in four Australian Open finals, as well as in the French Open final of 2016.
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Murray has claimed two out of his three major titles against Djokovic, winning at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013.
Nevertheless, this is a testing time in the Serb’s career, as 2024 marks the first full year without a Grand Slam title since 2017.
Andy Murray’s career timeline
SIR Andy Murray stands as the most accomplished tennis player in Great Britain during the Open era.
Murray first emerged in 2005, reaching the third round at Wimbledon at just 18 years old, and became British No.1 the following year.
In 2008, he made it to his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, where he lost to Roger Federer in straight sets.
He suffered two more final defeats at the Australian Open against Federer and Novak Djokovic in 2010 and 2011, followed by heartbreak at Wimbledon in 2012.
Despite winning the first set against Federer, he ultimately lost 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 before a home crowd, breaking down in tears on Centre Court.
However, a month later, he triumphed over the Swiss legend on the same court, securing a gold medal for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.
Shortly thereafter, he broke his Grand Slam drought at the fifth attempt by overcoming Djokovic in a thrilling five-set US Open final.
In 2013, after yet another loss in the Australian Open final, he defeated Djokovic in straight sets to become the first British man to win the Wimbledon title in 77 years.
Following three more Grand Slam final defeats, he reclaimed the Wimbledon title in 2016 with a straight sets victory over Canadian Milos Raonic.
He topped this victory with another Olympic gold medal, defeating Juan Martin del Potro in an epic four-hour final in Rio de Janeiro.
Later in 2016, he made history by becoming the first British man to reach the world No. 1 ranking.
Throughout his career, he appeared in 11 Grand Slam finals, winning three, alongside two Olympic golds and a silver (in mixed doubles with Laura Robson).
Murray concluded his career with 46 titles and earnings exceeding £50 million, ranking him fourth in all-time earnings.
His last match was at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he lost in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles at Roland Garros to the American pair Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz.
