As the tennis season winds down, the sport’s top players are making news beyond the court. While wedding bells are ringing for some players like Madison Keys, Casper Ruud, and Félix Auger-Aliassime, other players like Jasmine Paolini and Anna Kalinskaya have taken a much needed vacation. However, arguably the biggest news right now is Novak Djokovic collaborating with old-time friend and rival Andy Murray. While tennis expert Jimmy Connors believes it is a “comfort zone” association, others like Andrey Rublev are in a state of wonder and curiosity at the same time.

Andrey Rublev’s 2024 season isn’t done yet! This past weekend, he competed in the grand final of the UTS, an innovative tennis league founded by Patrick Mouratoglou. However, Andrey Rublev’s bid for the UTS London title came to an end as Thanasi Kokkinakis emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Russian. Subsequently, in a courtside interview with Tennis Weekly Podcast on Sunday, he touched upon topics like his preseason, current mental state and Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray partnership. His take on the last subject was confusing yet curious! 

“Novak is one of the best players in history, so I don’t know if Murray will be able to contribute anything, ” Rublev began. On a lighter note the World No.8 added, “But the positive energy, stemming from their friendship, can sometimes be more beneficial than anything else at this level. Djokovic knows everything about tennis, he understands it better than anyone, and if they are friends, he may feel something different and, for example, appear fresher or more motivated.” He wasn’t done yet!

Rublev also expressed curiosity about the duo’s dynamic during tense matches, saying, “It will be interesting because sometimes, Nole is too emotional on the court and speaks harshly to his team, so I am curious to see how Murray reacts in those situations.”

Putting things into perspective, Andy Murray is regarded as one of the most tactically astute players. In an interview with BBC Sport on November 24thd, Jamie Delgado, who had been Murray’s coach for 6 years from 2016 to 2021, said this partnership could work. On what basis, though?

“Andy’s very sharp with the data side of things and the strategy,” the 47-year-old said. It is interesting to note that the two players, who were born a week apart, were just 11 years old when they first met on court. Currently, their h2h stands at 25-11. Jamie, highlighting their history, said,

“You have got to remember that Andy has played against Novak many times, so he will know and express to Novak what makes him so difficult to play against, remind him of those things that his opponents will be feeling when they play against him.”

While Rublev is skeptical, Djokovic’s other opponents think it’s a match made in heaven. How?

Rune, Kokkinakis and de Minaur on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance

In a surprising move last month, Andy Murray, a former world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, was named the new coach for Novak Djokovic. Murray, who retired at the Paris 2024 Olympic Game, will assist Djokovic in his preparations for the upcoming Australian Open, which will be broadcast live on Eurosport and discovery+. Even players like Holger Rune, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Alex de Minaur are talking about it.

Rune, who has a head-to head of 2-4 with Djokovic, said, “It’s an interesting setup, that’s for sure,” as reported by Tennis Majors. “I don’t think many of us saw this coming. I think it could potentially be good for both. Novak didn’t have a coach before, so it was natural for him to seek one, but I didn’t expect it to be someone like Andy.”

The Danish tennis player added, “Andy is obviously a super smart player, and someone who has beaten him at times. I was thinking, ‘Why exactly were they paired together?’ And I think it’s because they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players. Both have a very high tennis IQ. I think it’s going to be very interesting.”

Similarly, Thanasi Kokkinakis is in favor of the collaboration: “There aren’t many people who can tell Novak much, but if anyone can, it’s Andy, someone who played in the same era and competed against him, so I’m sure he knows some things that he probably thinks would help. I think Andy will do a good job.”

Alex de Minaur, the recent victor of Ultimate Tennis Showdown, also commented on the partnership. He said, “ It’s going to be an incredible dynamic, which I am very much looking forward to see for myself.” He quipped, “ He (Andy Murray) misses the game too much,” talking about Murray’s short-lived retirement.

As the tennis world speculates on this surprising partnership, it will be interesting to see how it shapes Novak Djokovic’s upcoming 2025 season. Is an 11th Australian Open title in the making? Share your thoughts!