Brisbane

Djokovic reveals what was “strange” about the Murray partnership

The Serb looks back on the 2024 season and looks ahead to 2025

December 29, 2024

Every time Novak Djokovic returns to action after a long absence, there is great anticipation. That will be even more evident this week at the Brisbane International presented by Evie, where the Serb will partner Nick Kyrgios in doubles and another member of the ATP No. 1 Club, Andy Murray, competes in his team.

Murray spent 10 days with Djokovic to prepare for the start of the season. Although the Scot is not in Brisbane, they have spent a lot of time together on and off the pitch in recent weeks.

“Being on the same side of the net is great for once because he was one of my biggest rivals,” Djokovic said. “In a way it was strange for me to share all these insights about how I feel on the pitch, to share some of the secrets about what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about and how I see my game, someone who always has was one of the biggest competitors. But I’m so happy and very grateful that he agreed to work with me here in Australia.”

Djokovic explained that Murray would spend a week of training with him in Melbourne before the Australian Open. After the first major of the season, they will decide whether and for how long they will continue to work together.

“But the 10 days we spent together were great. I enjoyed it in every way. He is very meticulous, he is very committed, very professional,” Djokovic said. “It doesn’t surprise me because I’ve known him for so many years as a player and of course it’s a new experience for him as a coach and it was a little surprising for him and me that we work together as coaches (and) players.”

With that in mind, the 37-year-old seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champion called Murray’s decision to join his team “amazing news.” After 36 meetings in the Lexus ATP Head2Head series (Djokovic won 25 of them), they are now on the same side.

“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals I have ever had. He knows the advantages and disadvantages of my game,” said Djokovic. “He also played on the tour until recently, so he knows all the other best players in the world at the moment, the young players and the weaknesses and strengths of their game. So I’m really looking forward to it.

“I think it gives my game a fresh look and I think I can undoubtedly benefit from it on the tennis court. But I am sure that we will fit together very well because of his champion mentality.”

The Brisbane ATP 250 event is Djokovic’s first tournament since the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where he reached the final. According to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, the Serbian achieved a record of 37-9 in the 2024 season.

“It was an interesting year where my main focus and priority was to win the gold medal at the Olympics and I achieved that,” Djokovic said. “(I) had knee surgery but I managed to reach the Wimbledon final shortly afterwards, which to be honest was a surprise for me too. It was a great tournament period between Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympics.

“But overall I’ve had more defeats and ups and downs this season than in previous seasons, so I’m expecting a good start to the season.”

Djokovic is striving for more consistency. As a 99-time title holder at tour level, he hopes to be able to expand his number of titles even further. He could become the third ATP player in the Open era to reach the 100-title mark in Brisbane, where he faces Rinky Hijikata.

“I plan to play a few more tournaments this year than last season,” said Djokovic. “Hopefully the level will also increase and as a consequence I can hopefully win a few tournaments and improve my ranking.”