Jimmy Connors highlighted the positive aspects
Andy Murray can bring to
Novak Djokovic at this stage of his career. The
24-time Grand Slam champion surprised everyone a week ago by announcing Murray
as his new coach for the 2025 season.
The former British No. 1 had just retired a few
months ago, and nothing indicated he would soon become a coach. However, he now
takes on a new challenge on the Tour, this time in the box of one of his
greatest rivals.
Connors sees comfort and opportunity in Murray’s role
The rivalry between Murray and Djokovic is the
4th most frequently contested in the Tour and the opponent Murray has faced the
most in his career. Djokovic has dominated the rivalry with a 25-11 record in
their 36 encounters (11-8 in finals and 8-2 in Grand Slam tournaments). In 7
major finals, Djokovic led 5-2.
Nole is looking to breathe new life into his
team in 2025 and signaled that he still has big ambitions on the Tour. The
former world No. 1, Jimmy Connors, shared his opinion on the news. “I think it
enters a comfort zone,” he said. “They have competed against each other, they
know each other’s game, they have spent time together – not only on the court,
playing great matches – but also off the court.”
“There comes a point in time in your later
years where if you feel comfortable and relaxed with the people around you,
that allows you to go out and attempt to play your best tennis and give it your
all,” he added. “The older you get, it’s tougher to push yourself.”
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at Laver Cup
The 8-time Grand Slam champion believes
Djokovic still has plenty to offer upon returning to competition, and that at
this stage of his career, he can use the calmness to his advantage. “You look
at Djoker [Djokovic] and he does everything to get himself in prime condition,”
Connors mentioned. “If he’s around someone who he feels comfortable with now –
not that those in the past he didn’t feel comfortable with – but as you get
older, things change.”
“Your mind changes, your outlook changes, your
feelings change and all that. If you can go and be more relaxed going into
tennis, it allows you to play even better,” he added. “Maybe that is a good
thing, (but) it also might only last a week, you don’t know.”
According to the American, Djokovic should not
be ruled out from the battle for major titles this season. “You have to give it
a shot though, I like what he is doing. He is doing whatever he can to go
another year at the right level.”