Gael Monfils, Alex de Minaur, Holger Rune and Jan-Lennard Struff discuss the new player-coach partnership between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Djokovic recently shocked the tennis world by announcing that Murray, his former rival and a three-time Grand Slam champion, would be his coach initially on a short-term arrangement for the Australian Open.

This decision came months after Djokovic ended his long-term partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March, with the Scot agreeing to the role, less than four months after ending his career at the Paris Olympics.

Djokovic is level with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles won by any player with 24 Grand Slams and the 37-year-old is now aiming to win a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne.

Gael Monfils: It’s great for tennis

“Surprised I didn’t know because I even asked Andy what he wanted to do and I know he loves tennis, he loves the sport but somehow we knew he wanted to give something back to tennis and with Novak it’s a big opportunity for him to start like that,” said the Frenchman.

“I think it’s actually great that Novak gave him the opportunity – it’s just great for tennis.”

Jan-Lennard Struff: It’s just so nice

“I think it’s amazing,” said the German former world No 21. “Andy is such an idol and it’s so nice that they’re working together. I think it’s very nice. When I was reading it a smile came to my face because it’s just so nice and if were to take a coach, I would personally like to have Pete Sampras because he played forward to the net, serve and volley. I like his game-style and would want to learn a lot from him.”

Alex de Minaur: A shock to the tennis world

“I think the announcement was a complete shock to the tennis world. It’s crazy to see,” said the Australian world No 9.

“The first ever experience I had of something like that was when I was playing Laver Cup when I was playing Andy and I was walking over at the change of ends when Andy was getting coached by Roger [Federer], Rafa [Nadal] and Novak [Djokovic] so that for me was one of the most surreal moments in my life. Going and playing Andy Murray – one of the ‘big four’ – being coached by the ‘big three’ against me and I’m wondering ‘how many weaknesses and holes are they telling Andy about’, so I can only imagine how that dynamic is going to go.

“It’s definitely going to be fun to watch and I’ll keep my eye out on it.”

Holger Rune: I didn’t expect it to be Andy

“It’s an interesting set-up, that’s for sure. 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,” said the 21-year-old Dane.

“Andy is obviously a super-intelligent player, and someone who has beaten him at times. I was thinking why exactly has this happened but they can talk a lot about strategy and how to beat the best players.

“They both have a very high IQ in tennis so I think it’s going to be interesting to see, but I will obviously try to beat them if I play Novak.”

Thanasi Kokkinakis: Andy will do a good job

“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,” said the former Australian Open doubles champion.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

• United Cup featuring Great Britain – December 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Brisbane International (ATP 250) – December 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• ASB Classic, Auckland (WTA 250) – December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025

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