Nick Kyrgios has told Andy Murray how he can help improve Novak Djokovic’s game after the Serb waltzed into the third round of the Miami Open. Djokovic, who announced the Scotsman as his coaching partner earlier this year, has enjoyed a mixed spell with Murray in his corner so far.
There were very few signs of weakness during Djokovic’s second-round win over Rinky Hijikata, with the all-time Grand Slam record holder taking the match by virtue of a 0-6, 6-7 (1-7) win in Florida. As a result, Djokovic will now take on Camilo Ugo Carabelli for a place in the last-16 on Sunday evening.
According to Kyrgios though, Djokovic has the Australian to thank for progression into round three, given he’d instructed Murray to tell the 2024 Olympic gold medallist to bring back his devastating backhand. Writing on X, the Australian said: “I told Andy before the match he has to get back to redirecting that backhand man.”
Kyrgios had been involved in Miami Open action himself, but was dumped out of the competition at the last second-round stage. The Wimbledon runner-up fell to Karen Khachanov, who beat Kyrgios with a 6-7 (3-7), 0-6 showing in the Sunshine State.
As for Djokovic though, his hopes of picking up a first ATP title in over a year remains alive. Reacting to his performance, he said: “I had two weeks since the last match that I played in Indian Wells, so I had plenty of time to work on my game. I think that has positively reflected on my game today, particularly for set and a half, almost flawless tennis. I’m very pleased with the way I felt and played on the court.”
One man who won’t be getting in his way this time around is Carlos Alcaraz, as the Spainaird’s patchy 2025 continued with a second-round defeat of his own. Following his defeat to world No.55 David Goffin, the Wimbledon champion said: “I thought I was going to play really good tennis but it didn’t happen.
“I didn’t feel well in my legs – I wasn’t injured, I wasn’t sick. I was feeling perfectly before the match. In general, it was a poor level from me. It’s that kind of night that I will remember for sure – against Carlos and in a stadium like that.”
The action continues in Miami throughout the week, with the men’s final pencilled in for Sunday, 30 March.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk