Alex Corretja admits how he reacted straight away after Andy Murray was announced as Novak Djokovic’s new coach
Alex Corretja admits how he reacted straight away after Andy Murray was announced as Novak Djokovic’s new coach
Sammy France
Sammy France
Wed 27 November 2024 17:00, UK
In news that is still sinking in, Andy Murray has been announced as Novak Djokovic’s new coach heading into the 2025 Australian Open.
Andy Murray’s unexpected announcement as Novak Djokovic’s coach has sent shockwaves through the tennis world.
The two longtime rivals, who faced off in 36 matches, including all four major finals, will now collaborate in an unprecedented partnership.
Djokovic, seeking to rejuvenate his game after a Grand Slam-less 2024, is banking on Murray’s know-how to help propel him to a record-breaking 25th major title.
Their partnership is set to run through the off-season and at least the Australian Open, with both players said to be very excited about the new arrangement.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 1. Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Andy Murray of Great Britain embrace after playing a practice match on Court Fourteen in pr…
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Alex Corretja reveals his immediate reaction to Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray news
The tennis world is still understandably buzzing over the surprising announcement that Murray will take on the role as Djokovic’s coach.
The decision has sparked intense debate, given their fierce rivalry and Murray’s recent retirement.
While some see it as a bold and strategic partnership, others have been stunned by the unexpected move.
Alex Corretja, a former world number two shared his candid reaction with Eurosport: “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’.
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“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.
“Once you retire and then you step away for a long time, then it’s more and more difficult to come back. Andy, he’s always seen things quite clearly, when you sit down with him. He knows exactly the way he wants to practise the tournaments. He wants to play the way he wants to play during matches as well. So I think it’s an explosive combination, but it could work very well.”
What have other pundits and coaches said about the Andy Murray coaching news?
The reactions, while varied, have all been of excitement, disbelief, and a longing to see how it actually pans out.
Félix Auger-Aliassime, who has faced both players, took to X to say: “So the ATP Tour really is a movie,” while Mark Petchey, Murray’s former coach, was less shocked.
Highlighting the relentless drive of both men, he remarked: “Anyone interpreting ‘The Hire’ as a sign of winding things down has never been in either of these two’s company for five minutes.”
Anyone interpreting the ‘The Hire’ as a sign of winding things down, has never been in either of these two company for 5 minutes.
If you have, you wouldn’t be saying that.
— Mark Petchey (@_markpetchey) November 24, 2024
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Petchey believes this pairing signifies continued ambition rather than any sort of slowing down.
Sky Sports’ Jonathan Overend humorously admitted he had to confirm it wasn’t April Fool’s Day before reflecting on the symmetry of their careers. He pointed out that their shared age and parallel experiences could lead to a productive coaching relationship.
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