Laura Robson weighs in on status of ‘really cool’ Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray partnership.
Laura Robson has called the Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray partnership “really cool”, but believes that the Scot will only travel with the 24-time Grand Slam champion to essential tournaments.
When it was announced that Novak Djokovic’s new coach would be none other than his recently retired rival Andy Murray, many wondered what form the relationship would take.
The two had met in 36 matches, with 10 of those coming at the Grand Slam events – including five occasions at the Australian Open.
It was in Melbourne that the tennis world got their first look at the pairing, with Murray sitting courtside and showing support for the former world No 1.
Former Olympic silver medallist Laura Robson has weighed in on the status of the relationship, and how it may continue to develop over time.
Djokovic most recently played at the Qatar Open, where he faced former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in the first round. The Italian collected a straight sets win, his first victory over the Serb in their five meetings.
“It’s always tough when you go into a press conference after a loss like that or a retirement, and [Djokovic] hadn’t processed what happened on the court yet, let alone had a chance to speak to Andy about his schedule,” said Robson during an interview with Eurosport.
“Then you’re talking to someone who’s a multiple Grand Slam champion who also has four young kids. He’s pretty busy at home. I imagine it took them a while to figure out what schedule they were going to be able to do together.”
It could be noticed that the 24-time Grand Slam champion did not have Murray in his coaching box during the event in Doha.
“Andy, for sure, doesn’t want to do long stints at a time away from home when he literally just retired a few months ago,” explained Robson.
“I imagine that it took some effort to work out amongst themselves and also their agents, I’m sure.
“But just the positive is that he’s back and wanting to continue, because I know from seeing Andy on the courts in Australia, he was really excited at the prospect of hanging around and being together again and was just sinking his teeth into it and getting invested in the tactics.
“You could see from the side of the court how much he wanted Novak to win. So to carry it on, I think it is really cool for tennis to have that storyline ongoing.”
Speaking ahead of the Qatar Open, Djokovic stated that the pair will continue for an ‘indefinite’ period.
“I expressed my desire to continue the collaboration with him, so I am really glad he did accept,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion stated.
“It’s indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together but we agreed we are going to work most likely in the [United] States and then some clay-court tournaments and see how it goes after that.
“It was exciting for the whole tennis world and also for us to be in different roles together on the same side of the net.
“He has a unique perspective on my game: he has played me, he has played all the current best players in the world in my opponents.”
Novak Djokovic is next scheduled to participate at the BNP Paribas Open, in Indian Wells, which takes place from March 5 – March 16.