Andy Murray to remain coach of Novak Djokovic ‘indefinitely’

The duo came together at the start of the Australian Open

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Serbia's Novak Djokovic (right) listens to coach Andy Murray during a training session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 9.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic (right) listens to coach Andy Murray during a training session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 9.
AFP

Dubai: Novak Djokovic on Tuesday confirmed that Andy Murray will remain his coach ‘indefinitely. One of Great Britain’s top athlete and three-time Grand Slam champion joined the World No 2’s team at the Australian Open.

Following a successful trial period at the Melbourne Park, the duo have decided to continue their coaching partnership.

The Serbian star reached the semi-finals but was forced to retire against Alexander Zverev because of a leg injury.

The 37-year-old told the ATP Tour’s in-house media channel: “We had a chat the day after I finished [the Australian Open] — we reflected on the period we spent together.

Keep working together

“We agreed he was going to take some time and think, speak with his family members and see if he decides to keep working.

“I expressed my desire to continue the collaboration with him so I am really glad he did accept.

“It is indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together, but we agreed most likely in the [United] States and then some clay-court tournaments. We will see how it goes after that.”

Djokovic praised Murray when asked if he had learned anything about his game since the partnership. “Yes, I mean, to some extent,” he said. “Obviously it was exciting for the whole tennis world and also for us to be in different roles together on the same side of the net. He obviously has a unique perspective on my game. He has played me and all of the current best players in the world and my opponents. He knows everyone well.

“He knows exactly what we need to do tactically, we talk about tactics, the evolution of my game and what needs to be improved, what can be improved.

“He has a positive approach and has handled the whole pressure very well as it is a completely different situation from being there as a player.

“He has been terrific with all the other team members and while it was unfortunate the way the Australian Open finished with injury, but nevertheless, I think we had a great run,” Djokovic added.

Serbia

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