“I think it’s an explosive combination, but it could work very well” – Corretja on Djokovic-Murray partnership

Corretja believes Djokovic’s latest hire reflects his desire and commitment to compete at the top level next year

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, Doha 2017 Image Credit: Imago / Panoramic

November 26, 2024

Former world No 2 Alex Corretja believes that the Novak Djokovic–Andy Murray partnership could be an explosive combination and is a very smart move for both parties involved.

Djokovic hired Murray as his coach until the Australian Open last week in a move that stunned the tennis world. The Brit had only retired from the game a few months ago at the Paris Olympics. But once the initial shock has worn off, the Spaniard believes that the two could work very well together.

“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’.” Corretja told Eurosport. “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. So I think it’s an explosive combination, but it could work very well.”

If you bring someone as special as Andy, you need to give your 100%…

Corretja believes that Djokovic’s hiring of Murray reflects the Serb’s commitment and desire to compete at the highest level.

“In order to be committed, you need to bring someone that you feel like you want to be committed to. Because he’s such a legend as well. So it’s like, ‘I can’t just let him down’. If you bring someone as special as Andy, you need to give your 100% and this little gas that Novak feels that he still has in the tank. I think he needs to explore that in order to finish his career and say, ‘I gave it all, and now I don’t think it’s a matter of results’.”

The Spaniard, now a leading commentator in the game, believes that the combination of the two members of the Big 4 could add some pressure and intimidation on Djokovic’s opponents as well.

“For Novak to show that he’s still hungry, I’m bringing someone very special. Everybody has respect for Novak and everybody has respect for Andy. So I think when you play against Novak, and then you have Andy on the chair, you’re going to feel quite a bit of pressure, knowing that they know a lot, they’ve been winning a lot, and they know what they’re going to do,” Corretja added.