Djokovic says he wants Murray to continue as coach until Wimbledon, at least
The Serbian is set to play Indian Wells and Miami back to back for the first time since 2019
Tristan Lapierre / Tennis Majors
Novak Djokovic says he’s excited to be back in the desert for the start of the Indian Wells-Miami double, playing the back-to-back Masters 1000s together for the first time since 2019.
Out of action since Doha, but now fully recovered after the injury he suffered at the Australian Open, part of that excitement is due to his partnership with former world No 1 Andy Murray, who’s with him in Indian Wells and who is now expected to be alongside him through to Wimbledon at least.
“I was very glad when he decided to keep going”
Djokovic said he told Murray he wanted to continu, when they chatted soon after Djokovic exited the Australian Open. The Scot was also keen but needed to check in with his family before committing fully to the Serbian as he looks to hone his game for the biggest events.
“I was very glad when he decided to keep going, Indian Wells, Miami, and most of the clay-court season,” Djokovic told reporters in Indian Wells on Thursday.
“We’re going to speak after Miami, obviously, but I think the plan is to go all the way till the end of Roland-Garros, I think, and hopefully Wimbledon, as well.”
Murray enjoyed his debut alongside Djokovic at the Australian Open, where the 24-times Grand Slam champion beat Carlos Alcaraz to reach the semis before a hamstring injury hampered him in his semi-final with Alexander Zverev, forcing him to quit after the first set.
The dynamics between the two men were fascinating to watch, on court and behind the scenes, but it’s clear Djokovic had renewed motivation with the now-retired Murray, his long-time rival, on his side instead of on the other side.
“I’m enjoying the relationship with Andy,” Djokovic said. “I still feel like we are going through the process of getting to know each other on the court in a different way than we have known each other for 25 years. It’s obviously a new role for him. He’s also exploring it and trying to understand how he can excel in it.
“I’m trying to communicate as much as I can on the court, off the court, for us to be able to connect better.
“I think we had a great tournament, great run in Australia. I like the way I played, to be honest. It was unfortunate to finish the tournament the way I did it, but it was an injury issue. But in terms of the game, I think I played maybe the best tennis that I played in quite some time, since the Olympics, actually. I definitely attribute that to the work I had with Andy.”
Motivation high for Indian Wells and Miami
At 37, Djokovic knows he has to be sensible with his schedule but said Indian Wells and Miami were high on his agenda.
“Other than slams (there are) few tournaments that really give me inspiration when I wake up in the morning and think about where I want to do well,” he said. “Indian Wells and Miami are definitely at the top of that list.
“I’m excited to be here and with Andy on board. Hopefully we can have a great month in the States.”
Djokovic will begin his title bid against Botic van de Zandschulp, who advanced to round two when Nick Kyrgios retired with a wrist injury in the second set of their first-round encounter.
