Novak Djokovic’s former rival turned coach Andy Murray doesn’t want the Serbian player to suppress his emotions on court and says he won’t tolerate any anger as long as the 24-time major champion gives his all at the Australian Open. He doesn’t even mind being the target of an explosion. .
Murray faced Djokovic 36 times from 2006 to 2022, losing 25 times, including four Australian Open finals. The British player, who retired after last year’s Olympics, joined Djokovic’s team in November.
“Hopefully I can be one of those guys who understands that side of things,” Murray told reporters Thursday ahead of the Grand Slam in Melbourne.
ALSO READ | Australian Open men’s draw: Djokovic expected to face Alcaraz in quarterfinals
“Life outside is not easy, it is stressful and sometimes he will want to vent towards the team and the box. If he is doing his best and trying as hard as he can, then I It’s perfectly fine for him to express himself however he wants.”
Murray also said he did not expect Djokovic to ask him to be his coach. But after his Scottish wife Kim backed the idea, the three-time Grand Slam champion agreed to back the 37-year-old as he bids for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title. did.
“Obviously we’re anticipating when the games are going to start… but it’s stressful. When you’re trying to achieve great things, it’s not easy,” Murray added. “But the rewards at the end of it can be great, and I’m looking forward to that.”
The main tournament of the Australian Open begins on January 12, with Djokovic facing American wild card Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.