'Still Surreal That One Of My Biggest Rivals Is My Coach': Novak Djokovic Grateful For Andy Murray's Role As Guide
Djokovic and Murray shared a long rivalry and competed for grand slam titles on multiple occasions before the Brit decided to hang up his weary boots. Following the conclusion of his Round of 16 game at the Miami Open, Djokovic opened up on the relationship...Read More
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who started working with coach Andy Murray ahead of the Australian Open at the beginning of the year, voiced that he still finds it uncanny that his long-term rival now celebrates his victory from his own box.
Djokovic and Murray shared a long rivalry and competed for grand slam titles on multiple occasions before the Brit decided to hang up his weary boots. Following the conclusion of his Round of 16 game at the Miami Open, Djokovic opened up on the relationship he shares with the British icon.
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“We shared the same stage, so to say, and were on the tour for a very long time and know each other for 20-25 years since the junior days," Djokovic said.
Djokovic added that he has started to appreciate the Brit player even more than he did since starting to work together and expressed his gratitude for having Murray in his dugout.
“But obviously when you’re rivals you don’t interact as much and actually as we were waiting for matches to restart after the rain today we had a very interesting talk," he said.
“I’ve always had tremendous respect for Andy, as a player, but now even more so as a person," the 37-year-old said.
“He’s such a nice guy and I’m really grateful he cares about me doing well on the court," the Serbian said.
“It’s still surreal that one of my biggest rivals is my coach, and he’s fist-bumping and jumping around in the box," Djokovic said.
“Sometimes I pinch myself and ask myself ‘is this real? Is this a dream?’ but it’s great."
Djokovic, who picked up a straight sets 6-2, 6-2 win over Italian Lorenzo Musetti at Miami, also added that the duo bond over rounds of golf or over food as they continue their journey alongside each other.
“We’re trying to get the most out of this relationship of player and coach and also to spend some quality time together. Miami has been good. We were here early, almost a week before the tournament started," the 24-time Grand Slam winner added.
“We played some golf, we enjoyed some dinners together and we’re having fun," he concluded.
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