Roger Federer’s ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic sent an excited message to Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as the two join forces. With 24-time major title winner Djokovic’s career starting to slow and Murray hanging his racket up after an emotional curtain call at the Paris Olympics, the announcement that the Brit would be his former adversary’s new coach shocked fans.
The Serbian star has had eye-catching coaches in the past, with Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, and most recently, Goran Ivanisevic fighting his corner. However, the duo’s revelation has lit up fans’ eyes.
Ljubicic, who coached Federer from 2015 up until his retirement in 2022, improving his backhand and aiding him to three final Grand Slam titles, is especially excited at the pair’s coalition and felt he had to send both a message relaying such anticipation.
“It’s fantastic for the sport. I wrote a message to both of them to tell them how excited I was and that I understood their decision,” Ljubicic began, speaking to L’Equipe.
“I hope the outcome will be positive. Murray staying active in the sport, I love that. I imagine that Andy, who can’t travel for thirty weeks, will be there for the Grand Slams and a few important tournaments.
“I’m excited to see how that works out. We know how they are! Who’s going to say what to the other? It’s very interesting!”
The announcement, which shocked many, fills Djokovic with excitement. He believes that someone who has been through similar experiences as himself could help his faltering cause and breathe additional life into the game.
“I was going through a process of thinking about next season, and trying to figure out what I need at this stage of my career,” Djokovic admitted to Sky Sports.
“I stopped with my coach Goran Ivanisevic that I had been successful with for many years in March. So I took about six months to really think about if I need a coach and, if yes, who that is going to be.
“Then I realiased the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone who has been through the experiences that I am going through. Possibly a multiple Grand Slam winner and a former No 1.
“The Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table. It caught him a little bit off guard because he wasn’t expecting it. But we connected really fast, and he accepted after a few days.
“I can’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to me as well, and to everyone. But it is exciting for tennis. He has been one of my greatest rivals. We are the same age, we’ve played in all of the biggest stadiums in our sport. I can’t wait to get out on the court and prepare for next season.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk