Ex-Slam finalist on why ‘shock’ Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray collab could be great
Former two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja admitted he was in “total shock” when the Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray collaboration news dropped but also backed the partnership to succeed.
This past weekend, the tennis community was left both stunned and excited after the Serb announced the newly retired Briton as his coach for the 2025 Australian Open.
To no one’s surprise, their collaboration drew major attention and various opinions and perspective on how it might work. While some are very positive and optimistic, some don’t really believe that Murray can help much Djokovic.
However, Corretja doesn’t share that negative opinion at all. Instead, the former world No. 2 suggests this might be exactly what the 37-year-old needed – something special but also someone who is very familiar with the current competition on the Tour.
Corretja on Djokovic pairing up with Murray
“I was totally in shock. I have to agree for, let’s say, 10 seconds, 15 seconds and right away I thought, ‘what a smart move from Novak and from Andy, at the same time.’ I felt like Novak needs big and huge motivations, and he wants to bring someone special, someone that understands the game very well, which he’s been playing for the last 15-20 years on Tour, and he just retired. He might help him to try things that maybe he’s shown in Andy that he didn’t have those skills, and he’s thinking about him. On the other hand, I felt like for Andy, it is a great opportunity,” Corretja told Eurosport.
