Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray came out of retirement to coach Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, and it’s safe to say he made quite the impression
Samantha Stosur realised Sir Andy Murray was cut out for coaching after spotting the two-time Wimbledon champion lugging Novak Djokovic’s gear at the Australian Open.
Not long after hanging up his racket, 37-year-old Murray was thrust right back into the sport, this time as Djokovic’s trainer. Despite some tense moments, Murray’s expertise seemed to have a significant impact on the Serbian ace in Melbourne.
Although Djokovic, also 37, had to bow out with a thigh injury during his semi-final bout against Alexander Zverev, he had earlier triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz in the quarters. Murray, who also won two Olympic golds, the US Open win, and the Davis Cup during his career, earned plenty of plaudits for efforts as coach.
Initially doubtful about the arrangement, Stosur – who once ranked World No. 4 back in 2011 – was convinced of Murray’s commitment when she witnessed him in action. “A lot of people were sceptical when Novak made this announcement. However, when I saw Murray walking down the corridors of the tournament with Djokovic’s rackets in his hand to take them to the stringer, I knew he was taking this job very seriously,” she said speaking to the Morning Serve.
“I think everyone was surprised. I think even Andy was surprised that, A) he got the call, and then, B) actually said yes. Look, I don’t know how long the arrangement is for or what stipulates whether it keeps going or anything like that.
“But I think the huge positive in having someone like Andy in his corner is that he knows what it’s like to win these tournaments. He knows what it takes; he knows how to play the best players in the world. He knows about recovery and managing yourself; he knows everything about it,” the Aussie added.
“So if, again talking about one percenters, Andy might have one little titbit that helped him and he can pass it on to Novak now as opposed to some of his previous coaches, then who knows? It might make the difference for him to keep going.”
Djokovic has shown appreciation for Murray’s input during the Grand Slam, especially after his comeback from a set down to triumph over Alcaraz. With the tournament wrapped up for both, they’ve confirmed plans to sit down and talk through their current coaching setup.
The initial deal was for Murray to support Djokovic just for the duration of the event. Judging by Murray’s remarks, he seems keen on extending his coaching stint with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
“It was an unfortunate way to finish,” Murray said after Djokovic’s withdrawal. “The match that he played against Alcaraz was some incredible tennis, amazing to watch from the side from that close, it was an amazing performance. He’d been getting gradually better as the tournament was progressing, I think. It’s obviously a really unfortunate way to finish.
“It’s hard. When you get to that stage of the tournament, you feel like you’re getting very close to something very special, and it’s unfortunate if the body’s not responding in the way that you would like. With Novak there’s always hope with him because of how great a player he is and has found ways out of difficult situations before. It just wasn’t to be this time.”
