Novak Djokovic made a surprise admission after his latest win in Miami, claiming that he and long-time rival Andy Murray didn’t really know each other as people. The Brit started coaching Djokovic during the off-season, less than four months after he ended his own playing career at the Olympics.
They have since opted to extend their partnership, and Murray joined the 24-time Grand Slam champion State-side for this month’s Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. But Djokovic has now revealed that they only recently started getting to know each other properly.
Djokovic booked his spot in the Miami Open quarter-final with a statement 6-2 6-2 victory over Lorenzo Musetti on Tuesday. Murray was front-and-centre in his player box, cheering the Serb on.
The three-time Major winner wasn’t the only retired tennis champion in attendance, as Djokovic also invited Juan Martin del Potro into his box while Serena Williams had a courtside seat in the Hard Rock Stadium.
After sealing another win in front of the stellar crowd, Djokovic admitted he was “starstruck” before opening up on his relationship with Murray. The pair have known each other for decades, first meeting on the junior circuit before facing off on the biggest stages in tennis.
However, the world No. 5 revealed that they were still relatively unacquainted despite spending years locked in a fierce rivalry. “Well, we don’t know each other as people that well,” Djokovic told Sky Sports.
“I think obviously we shared the same stage, so to say, and we were on the tour for a very long time. I think we’ve known each other maybe 30 years – maybe not 30 but maybe 20, 25 years, since the junior days.
“But, obviously, when you’re rivals, you don’t interact as much.”
Djokovic and Murray are now making up for lost time, as the Serb explained they’d already had some deep chats in Miami.
He continued: “Actually, before the match today, we sat down as we were waiting for matches to restart because of the rain delay and we had time, so we had a very interesting talk.
“I always had tremendous respect for Andy. As a player but now even more as a person. Such a nice guy and I’m really grateful that he cares about me, that he cares about me doing well on the court.
“It’s still surreal in some sense, to be honest, that one of my biggest rivals is my coach and he’s fist-pumping and jumping around the big. Sometimes I kind of pinch myself and ask myself, ‘Is this real? Is this a dream?’”
Djokovic and Murray are also having some fun away from the tennis court. “It’s great, we’re trying to get the most out of this relationship as player-coach and also spend some quality time together,” the world No. 5 added.
“I think Miami has been really good. We were here early, almost a week before the tournament started, so we played some golf, we enjoyed some dinners together and we’re having fun.”