French tennis star Nicolas Mahut believes Novak Djokovic could aim “violent” outbursts towards Andy Murray when they begin working together.
Djokovic has enlisted his long-time rival to be his new coach and Murray will join the Serb’s team during the off-season through into the Australian Open.
But there could be fireworks. Both men are known for having “meltdowns” aimed towards their box and Mahut believes it could be the same when the Brit steps into the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s corner.
Djokovic and Murray rocked the tennis world over the weekend as they announced their link-up. The world No. 7 parted ways with his long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic back in March and hadn’t hired a full-tile replacement since.
But that chanced on Saturday night when Djokovic dropped a bombshell, revealing that Murray would be joining his team over the off-season. It comes less than four months after the three-time Major winner retired at the Olympics.
Fans will get a chance to see their team dynamic in January, as Murray will work with Djokovic at the Australian Open. But former doubles No. 1 Mahut believes things could get brutal when they team up.
“Both have had a tendency in their career to get carried away with their box, to sometimes have lapses or meltdowns,” the Frenchman told Eurosport.
“Andy will understand very well what Novak will feel on the field, and he will also be able to help him I think.”
The 42-year-old was asked whether he thought Djokovic would be as “violent” towards Murray as he sometimes was with Ivanisevic. While Mahut believes it’s a good idea to stay calm at first, he knows what can happen.
The six-time doubles Slam champion replied: “At first, he should be a little more measured. But, in action… Novak deeply respected Ivanisevic and he targeted him several times.
“Andy, it’s the same, it happened with Lendl. With Amelie Mauresmo, he was a little more contained, but it happened to him too. In fact, he knows what goes on in the head of a very high level player sometimes.”
However, Mahut also thinks their partnership will prove successful given how recently Murray retired, meaning he’s faced all of Djokovic’s rivals and will have a great insight.
“What is especially interesting for Novak and Andy is that in terms of playing style and approach, they speak the same language,” he added.
“When Andy approaches the match, he can, in certain tactical aspects, have the same way of operating and the same strategic approach as Novak.
“It was no longer the same Andy who faced [Jannik] Sinner or [Carlos] Alcaraz, of course, but he necessarily took away certain things from them.”
Djokovic has already admitted he wants to go “full throttle” in the off-season and confirmed he was as motivated as ever. With Murray in his corner, the Serb will be vying to end Sinner and Alcaraz’s reign at the Grand Slams, and win his 11th Australian Open title.