Novak Djokovic ‘has hired Andy Murray because of three rivals’ ahead of Australian Open
The motive behind Novak Djokovic hiring Andy Murray has been examined by one former pro.
Novak Djokovic has added Andy Murray to his coaching team to send a statement to three main ATP rivals, according to Julien Benneteau.
The world of tennis was sent into a state of shock on Saturday afternoon when news that Murray, who only retired earlier this year, was set to become Djokovic’s coach in the new year broke.
It comes after a mixed year on the court for Djokovic and his first since 2017 without a Grand Slam title of any kind.
Djokovic did end a career-long wait for Olympic gold, but on the ATP Tour, the Serb has had to sit back and watch as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner swept all four Grand Slams up.
And it’s because of Alcaraz and Sinner’s dominance that Benneteau believes he’s called on Murray’s expertise ahead of the 2025 season.
The Frenchman said: “It’s not because you were a great player that you are a good coach and that guarantees success as a coach. Andy Murray will have the role of coach, not trainer; he will not teach him how to hit a forehand or a backhand.
“I think Djokovic has a real motivation to reach 25 Grand Slams, to be the only one to have done it, and he will do everything for it.”
But it isn’t just Alcaraz and Sinner who Djokovic has to be wary of, with Benneteau also tipping Alexander Zverev for a strong 2025 season.
