Andy Murray To Miss the First Tournament As Djokovic’s Coach
The announcement of Andy Murray taking a place on Novak Djokovic’s training team shocked many fans and even those within the tennis world. But, despite Murray being called in to guide the Serb through his pre-season training and provide tips during the Australian Open, it is understood that Murray won’t be joining Djokovic at the Brisbane International, which starts at the end of the month. He will likely join the 24-time slam winner for the Australian Open, which starts, in earnest, on January 12.
For the past 16 years, since winning his first major at the 2008 Australian Open, Djokovic has been among the favorites for every tournament he enters and match he plays. However, despite winning gold at the Paris Olympics, the previously unstoppable Serb hasn’t won a title in 2024.
In light of what can be considered a lean year by his exacting standards, Djokovic surprised the tennis world by announcing he was enlisting the services of former world number 1 Andy Murray. The decision raised a lot of eyebrows. Murray only ended his playing career after Paris and within months he had secured his first coaching gig.
Djokovic is currently the third favorite, at odds of around 7/2 to lift the Australian Open with Jannik Sinner the bookmakers’ favorite at 12/8. Bettors can enjoy improved odds by taking advantage of new account offers and improved odds at crypto sports gambling sites, where they can enjoy a wide range of betting options as well as instant withdrawals of winnings. Even though he’s behind Sinner and Alcaraz, odds-wise, the tide could turn for Djokovic with Murray by his side.
Novak has also pointed to the fact Murray not only knows his strengths but also his weaknesses and pointed out that there aren’t many players who have won multiple majors. Murray won three Grand Slams, 2 Olympic Golds, and 14 Masters titles. He also ranked as the world’s number 1 player for 41 weeks, and most analysts believe he was unlucky to have hit his peak at a time when Djokovic, along with Federer and Nadal were also playing their best tennis.
From Murray’s point of view, it is easy to see why he would accept the gig. His playing career has come to an end and he is likely to want to go into training if he is to continue his career in the tennis world. Djokovic may have slipped to world number 7 in the rankings but he is still one of the most formidable opponents and somebody the Scot has shared the court with many times. While Murray might be missing in Brisbane, he will likely join up with Djokovic for the Australian Open in January.
Djokovic is the only one of the big four of the past 15 years to still be playing. Federer hung up his racket in 2022 and both Nadal and Murray retired this year. At 37, Djokovic looks to be on the decline, but he is currently tied with Margaret Court for the most singles titles and obviously hopes to freshen up his team with an experienced title winner will help him gain that one elusive victory.
