Published On: Thu, Jan 2nd, 2025
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Novak Djokovic spills beans on Andy Murray plan as sights set on Alcaraz and Sinner | Tennis | Sport


Novak Djokovic has explained what he and Andy Murray are working on after hiring the Brit as his new coach.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is keen to keep up with the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Together with Murray, the 37-year-old has already started planning how he can match his young rivals and stay in contention for the biggest titles.

Djokovic has started his 2025 season in Brisbane, where he lost in the second round of the doubles but is through to the singles quarter-final. He seems refreshed and raring to go, having played his last professional tournament in October.

Last year was unusual for the Serb. He finally won an Olympic gold medal, but it was his only title, and he suffered some upsets at big tournaments. But Djokovic is keen to put himself back in the Grand Slam winners’ circle.

The world No. 7 showed his intentions when he hired Murray – who only retired in August – as his new coach during the off-season. After arriving in Brisbane, Djokovic spilled the beans on their plans to help him improve and keep up with the young stars.

“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, and every bit of percentage counts at the highest level,” Djokovic said of their partnership.

While he doesn’t want a drastic change, the 37-year-old explained just how important it was to fine-tune his game.

“Well, I’m not looking to transform my game completely. I mean, I’m not going to be Giovanni [Mpetshi Perricard] serving two first serves and coming in to the net,” he smiled.

“But I definitely am looking to improve, even if it’s the slightest percentage, every single shot that I have in my game, and maybe something that people don’t necessarily see is this court positioning, the transition play, the tactics.

“Yeah, just focusing mostly on myself, really, how I can be better physically, game-wise, mentally, as well.”

Djokovic’s younger rivals are clearly on his mind, as he added: “And ready to compete, whatever it takes, however many hours it takes with the youngsters.”

For now, the Serb is focused on winning his 100th career title in Brisbane. Djokovic extended his unbeaten record against Gael Monfils on Thursday, downing the Frenchman for the 20th time in their careers.

He will now face Reilly Opelka in the quarter-final. It will be Djokovic’s first meeting with the 6’11 big server.



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