Tim Henman says he would like to see a bit of adversity early in the Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray partnership as the former six-time Grand Slam semifinalist admits he is interested in seeing who will deliver the first shout and what will be the response.
In the last couple of years, the Serbian tennis star created many viral moments with his former coach Goran Ivanisevic. During their six-year collaboration – especially in the latter years of their partnership – the record 24-time Major winner shouting at his coach in frustration was a common thing to see.
Since Djokovic is 37, it would be hard to envision him changing in that department at this stage of his career. And since Murray is his new coach – who also wasn’t always the calmest on the court ot towards his team – many are curious to see what happens when things get tough on the court for the world No. 7.
“Who’s going to shout at who? I’m definitely intrigued. That’s why I want to see Djokovic struggle a little bit in those early matches so that there’s a bit of tension, a bit of adversity, hopefully a bit of shouting and screaming at the box. And we can see how Andy Murray deals with it being on the receiving end. But it’s going to be fun to watch,” Henman told Eurosport.
Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
Henman initially thought the Djokovic and Murray news was some kind of a joke
On November 23rd, the two former rivals issued a joint announcement on Instagram, in which they revealed they would be joining forces for the 2025 Australian Open. In their message, they didn’t reveal much except state that they were excited about their partnership.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the tennis world as fans but also some notable members of the tennis community couldn’t believe that Murray was becoming Djokovic’s coach just three months after walking away from pro tennis.
“Andy’s decision to coach Djokovic certainly took me by surprise. When I saw it on the internet, I had to check the date, whether it was an April Fools [joke]. But no, I think it’s a smart move from Novak, because Andy’s played against all those opponents that Novak is going to be up against,” Henman added.
“Andy’s always been a great tactician, so I’m sure that fresh input can motivate Djokovic. And from Andy’s point of view, having just retired in August, I was surprised that he wants to get back on the road that quickly. But only time will tell how the relationship evolves.”
Henman sensed that Murray would become a coach one day
After confirming that Wimbledon would be his last Grand Slam and that the Paris Olympics would be his final tournament, the former world No. 1 started receiving questions about his future. In one interview with the BBC, the 37-year-old Briton hinted that he would be open to coaching one day on the Tour. But no one really expected it to come this soon or his first stint to be with Djokovic.
Henman was among those who didn’t think Murray would get into coaching this fast. But after thinking for a bit, the Eurosport expert figured out that it was probably an opportunity which the former two-time Wimbledon winner simply couldn’t pass on.
“At the end of the day, Andy’s the one that’s got to answer that question, what was the motivation? But I always felt that he would go into coaching. I didn’t think it would be this quick, but when you get the opportunity to work with one of the greatest players in the history of our sport, then perhaps he viewed it as too good an opportunity to turn down,” Henman explained.
“So, as I said, fascinated to hear about the offseason when they’re practiscng in Spain and then going into the Australian Open to see how the relationship evolves. It just adds another great storyline around the Australian Open in 2025.”
While the majority of fans were speaking very excitedly about the Murray and Djokovic collaboration, there were also some who weren’t that impressed. Some of the malicious comments included claims that the Serb did it because he wanted to get some attention. Also, some questioned the Briton’s ability to help the world No. 7 since he doesn’t have a prior coaching experience.
However, those claims and comments were quickly dismissed by the 24-time Slam winner. In an interview with Sky Sports, he explained that he wanted someone who went through the same things and someone who could understand him.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is scheduled to start his 2025 season at the Brisbane International but his debut with Murray may not come until the Australian Open.
Tennis World USA