Djokovic's New Coach Andy Murray: 'Express Yourself, Give Your Best Effort'

Andy Murray encourages Novak Djokovic to express his emotions freely at the Australian Open to improve performance.

Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic's former rival and current coach, has encouraged the Serbian tennis star to express himself freely on court at the upcoming Australian Open. Murray, who had a storied rivalry with Djokovic, playing him 36 times from 2006 to 2022, believes that suppressing emotions can hinder performance. Murray, who retired after the 2022 Olympics and joined Djokovic's team in November, is willing to be the target of any angry outbursts as long as Djokovic gives his all.

Murray acknowledged that he understands the pressures and stresses that come with competing at a high level, and he wants Djokovic to feel comfortable expressing himself. “I would think that I’d be one of the people that would maybe hopefully understand that side of things,” Murray told reporters on Thursday ahead of the Grand Slam in Melbourne. He recognizes that Djokovic may need to vent his frustrations towards his team and box. “I know it’s not easy out there and it’s stressful and at times he’s going to want to vent towards his team and his box.”

Murray emphasized that his primary concern is that Djokovic gives his best effort, and if that means expressing himself freely, then he is fully supportive. “Provided he’s giving his best effort and trying as hard as he can, I’m absolutely fine with him expressing himself how he wants.”

Andy Murray revealed that he didn't anticipate being asked by Novak Djokovic to join his coaching team. However, after Murray's wife Kim expressed her support for the idea, the three-time Grand Slam winner agreed to help Djokovic in his pursuit of a record-extending 11th Australian Open title.

Murray acknowledged that he expects the upcoming tournament to be stressful, especially given Djokovic's ambitious goals. “Obviously I expect when the matches start... it's stressful. When you’re trying to achieve great things it’s not easy,” Murray added. Despite the challenges ahead, Murray is looking forward to the potential rewards of their collaboration. “But the rewards at the end of it can be great and that’s something I’m looking forward (to).”

The Australian Open main draw is set to begin on January 12th, with Djokovic facing American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.