Serena Williams' former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, shared his thoughts on the blockbuster partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The Brit will coach the Serb starting in the 2025 season.
Mouratoglou initially found the Djokovic-Murray partnership "crazy" but later saw it as a "courageous" decision. He also touched on the three-time Grand Slam champion's deep understanding of the game and strategic mindset, suggesting they could help his former rival reach even greater heights.
The Frenchman said in an Instagram video on December 13:
"Can't say I was surprised when Novak announced that he was gonna work with Andy Murray as his new coach. I think it makes sense, but I was surprised. I didn't expect it at all. It's crazy that Andy wants to go back on tour so fast after finally being able to stay away a little bit at home."
"I think what Novak found in Andy Murray is extremely smart in tennis, in the game. He knows the game so well. He strategizes the game so well. I think it's courageous because it's going to be his first experience. He starts with the greatest of all time," he added.
Mouratoglou continued:
"It's courageous from Andy because results are going to be expected. It's courageous from Novak because he takes in a way someone who's having his first experience, even though he is incredibly experienced as a player."
"I’m so glad and very thankful that Andy Murray has accepted to work with me here in Australia" - Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is set to kick off the 2025 season at the Brisbane International, followed by the Australian Open in Melbourne, where he will aim to capture his historic 25th Grand Slam title.
In Brisbane, the Serb will also compete in doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios, in addition to his singles participation. Before that, he spoke to the media about his new partnership with Andy Murray, expressing how "glad" he was that the Brit accepted his offer.
“Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals,” Djokovic told the media. “In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals."
He added:
"But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia,"
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