Andy Murray announced that he will no longer be working with Novak Djokovic after an underwhelming few months together. The Brit will be in demand, however, with a wealth of knowledge and experience to call upon and current stars will be curious about his intentions moving forward.
The Scot turns 38 this week and is thought to want to remain in tennis, having jumped back in with both hands by joining Djokovic’s staff. The likes of Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu will be mentioned as Murray carefully assesses his next options. In November, when Murray initially linked up with Djokovic, Draper was asked about the possibility of the two-time Wimbledon champion joining his coaching team one day in the future.
He replied: “Let’s see what happens down the line. Whoever Andy coaches, whether it is Novak Djokovic or someone of a lesser standard, he will give so much to what that player has and he will study them and he will give advice.
“I have definitely asked him about my game in the past and he has always been amazing with analysing my play. He has got such a big tennis brain. Whatever he brings to any team will have a really positive impact. And I think his personality as well, the way he is, he is fun to be around.
“Yeah, we will see what happens down the line in the future. Right now, I am happy with my current set-up but it is really exciting to see him come back to tennis and feel like he wants to be part of it.”
Draper and Murray have been close for some time, with the elder statesman mocking his new haircut last month and holding many private conversations about tennis.
When Draper clinched his first ATP Tour title win in Stuttgart last year, Murray insisted that the sky is the limit for the 23-year-old and he should aim higher than just being British No. 1.
It was an assessment that Draper agreed with, saying at the US Open: “To follow in Andy’s footsteps, it’s a big achievement for me. I know that there’s still room for improvement and still room to hopefully go further.”
Coaching a fellow Brit could benefit Murray personally, as he would likely be able to spend more time with his family.
It is a factor that he has already spoken openly about, when considering his post-retirement options, telling Eurosport: “I want to spend time with my family and see my kids growing up as that’s something you miss when you are on the road and the last few years when you have been away for three or four weeks at a time I have found that difficult.
“But with all the British players when I’m at home I will try to help, whenever I can if any of them wanted to I would try my best to make that happen. It is a big commitment to coach if you want to do it properly and I want to ensure I do it properly.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk