"Strong message toward Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz": Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray's partnership draws interesting reaction from former tennis pro

Former Swedish tennis pro Mats Wilander has praised Novak Djokovic's unexpected decision to bring Andy Murray into his coaching team for the Australian Open. The two former rivals are joining forces as the Serb aims to secure a record-breaking 25th Major and his 11th title in Melbourne.

Earlier this month, Djokovic announced on social media platforms that Murray will be joining his coaching team. The Brit retired from professional tennis in August 2024 after participating in the Paris Olympics.

Wilander recently told Eurosport that Djokovic's decision is driven by his need to send a message to young rivals such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, showing them that he's still in the race and not backing down anytime soon.

"I think the message that Novak is sending is that he still thinks that he has some of his best tennis still in him, or he thinks that his best tennis is still ahead of him. It's a strong [message] towards Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz and the best players in the world," Wilander said.

The 37-year-old had one of his toughest seasons in 2024, finishing the year without a single Grand Slam title. However, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by winning the Olympic gold medal, defeating Alcaraz in the final.

This season saw Alcaraz and Sinner take center stage in Majors. The Spaniard won the French Open and Wimbledon, where he defeated Djokovic in the championship match. Meanwhile, the Italian became the World No. 1 for the first time in his career and captured his first two Grand Slams at the Australian Open and the US Open.

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"Novak Djokovic wants to win more Grand Slams" - Mats Wilander

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray pictured at Wimbledon 2023 | Image Source: Getty

In the interview with Eurosport, Mats Wilander suggested that Novak Djokovic's decision to hire Andy Murray as his coach stemmed from his desire to add more Grand Slams to his tally.

"My first reaction was that Novak Djokovic wants to win more Grand Slam tournaments," he said.

The Swedish sounded optimistic about the Djokovic-Murray collaboration, believing the Brit’s wealth of experience could give the Serb an edge, helping him win more Majors in 2025 and beyond if things go well.

"obvious to all of us that are tennis fans, we would love to see him win 25 Grand Slam titles and be considered the best of all time," Wilander said.

"So with Andy Murray helping him, I say that he thinks he can still win Grand Slam tournaments in 2025, and maybe even 2026," the seven-time Major champion added.