Andy Murray branded an 'embarrassment' as he gives first coaching lesson to Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray branded an ’embarrassment’ as he gives first coaching lesson to Novak Djokovic

Posted by Admin January 7, 2025 Tennis

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Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic were spotted training together for the first time at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, marking a new chapter in their storied relationship as coach and player.

The former rivals, both aged 37, took to the practice courts ahead of the Australian Open, where Murray will guide Djokovic in his bid for a record-extending 11th title at the tournament.

Murray, who retired from professional tennis in August 2024 after the Paris Olympics, joined Djokovic’s coaching team in a surprise announcement last November.

The pair were seen in an intense practice session, which included a practice set against Carlos Alcaraz that Djokovic won 7-5.

Andy Murray has been coaching Novak Djokovic in the build-up to the Australian Open

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The partnership comes after Murray spent 10 days working with Djokovic before Christmas in preparation for the new tennis season.

Djokovic enters the Australian Open seeking his 25th Grand Slam title, following a challenging 2024 season where he failed to secure a major championship for the first time since 2017.

The Serbian star’s preparation hit a stumbling block last week with a defeat to Reilly Opelka in Brisbane.

He will learn his first-round opponent when the draw is made on Thursday at 14:30 local time (01:30 GMT).

Despite last year’s difficulties, Djokovic did achieve what he called his “greatest achievement” by winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris.

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Speaking about working with Murray, Djokovic said: “I love talking to him about the nuances, the details, how I can improve my game, how I can gain an inch, court positioning more comparing to my opponent.”

Alexander Bublik has launched a scathing attack on Murray’s retirement and new coaching role, labelling both as an “embarrassment” and a “circus”.

The world No 33 from Kazakhstan criticised Murray’s decision to join Djokovic’s team, telling Russian media Match TV: “It’s an attempt to prolong something that is no longer there, some echoes of the past.”

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Andy Murray has been branded an ’embarrassment’ by Alexander Bublik

Reuters

Bublik, who lost three of his five matches against Murray, also took aim at both Murray and Rafael Nadal’s retirement ceremonies.

“What happened with Nadal and Andy Murray in their retirements was a circus, I can’t call it anything else,” said Bublik.

“We used to watch them with our mouths open in the locker room but then you see a bald man and an old man. For me it was an embarrassment.”

The controversial comments come as Bublik prepares for his season opener at the Adelaide International.

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Murray and Djokovic’s partnership marks a remarkable turn in their 25-year rivalry, which began in their junior days.

Their head-to-head record stands at 25-11 in Djokovic’s favour, with the Serb winning four Australian Open finals against Murray in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Murray’s most notable victories over Djokovic came in the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon finals.

The pair’s relationship extends back to their teenage years, when they trained together and even partnered in doubles at the 2006 Australian Open, aged 19.