Novak Djokovic has credited Andy Murray with “bringing a recent look” to his recreation as he prepares for his first match since naming his long-time rival as his new coach.
Djokovic, the boys’s file 24-time main winner, will start his 2025 season on the Brisbane Worldwide towards Australian Rinky Hijikata subsequent week.
The Serb, 37, might 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 recreation as one of many biggest rivals I’ve had. He is aware of the professionals and cons of my recreation,” Djokovic mentioned of Murray.
“He performed till just lately on the tour, so he is aware of all the opposite finest gamers at the moment on the planet, the kids, and the weaknesses and strengths of their recreation. I sit up for it, I actually do.
“I believe he is bringing a recent look to my recreation and I will have the ability to profit from that, little doubt, on the courtroom. But additionally that champion mentality he has, I am positive we’ll match very nicely.”
Djokovic introduced 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 purpose to win his a hundredth 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 degree with Margaret Courtroom on 24, obtain the outright file for many Grand Slam titles.
Following a 2024 season by which 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 couple of extra tournaments than I did final season,” Djokovic mentioned.
“Hopefully the extent can be going to go up and as a consequence I will have the ability to hopefully win a couple of tournaments and get my rating greater.”