Novak Djokovic and Andrew Murray: Gael Monfils, Alex de Minaur and Holger Rune discuss new partnership

Gael Monfils, Ailig de Minaur, Holger Rune and Jan-Lennard Struff discuss the new player-coach partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Djokovic recently shocked the tennis world by announcing that Murray, his former rival and three-time Grand Slam champion, would initially be his coach on a short-term arrangement for the Open Australia.

The decision came months after Djokovic ended his long-term partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March, with the Scot agreeing to the role, less than four months after ending his career at the Paris Olympics.

Djokovic is level with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles won by any player with 24 Grand Slams and the 37-year-old is now aiming for a record 11th title in Melbourne.

Gael Monfils: It's great for tennis

“I was surprised I didn't know because I even asked Andy what he wanted to do and I know he loves tennis, he loves the sport but somehow we knew that he wants to give something back to tennis and with Novak it's a big opportunity for him. start like that,” said the Frenchman.

“I think it's great that Novak gave him the opportunity – he's just great for tennis.

Jan-Lennard Struff: It's just so nice

“I think it's amazing,” said the former German world No 21. “Andrew is an idol and it's so nice that they work together. I think it's very nice. When I was reading it a smile came to my face because he is just so nice and if I could coach, I would personally like to have Pete Sampras because he played forward to the net, serve and volley.

Alex de Minaur: A shock to the tennis world

“I think the news was a big surprise for the tennis world. It's crazy to see,” said the Australian world No. 9.

“The first experience I ever had of something like that was when I was playing in the Laver Cup when I was playing Andy and I was walking over at the change when Andy was being coached by Roger (Federer), Rafa (Nadal) and Novak. (Djokovic) so it was one of the most surreal moments of my life to go and play Andy Murray – one of the 'big four' – being coached by the 'big three' against me and I wonder 'how many' weaknesses and holes they are telling Andy about', so I can only imagine how that momentum will go.

“It will certainly be fun to watch and I'll keep my eye out for it. “

Holger Rune: I didn't expect it to be Andrew

“It's an interesting situation, that's for sure. I don't think a lot of us saw this coming. I think it could be good for both of them. Novak didn't have a coach before, so it was natural for him to look for a man, but I didn't expect it to be someone like Andrew,” said the Dane, who is 21 years old.

“It's clear that Andy is a very intelligent player, and someone who has beaten him at times. I was thinking why exactly this has happened, but they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players.

“Both of them have a very high IQ in tennis so I think it will be interesting to see, but obviously I will try to beat them if I play Novak.”

Thanasi Kokkinakis: Andy will do a great job

“Not many people can say a lot to Novak, but if anyone can, it's Andy, someone who played at the same time and competed against him, so I'm sure he knows some things that he thinks would help. I think Andy will do a good job,” said the former Australian Open doubles champion.

What's on on Sky Sports Tennis?

United Cup with Great Britain – December 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Brisbane International (ATP 250) – December 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
ASB Classic, Auckland (WTA 250) – December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025

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