In a recent light-hearted exchange, Novak Djokovic humorously suggested that his son, Stefan, plays tennis better than his new coach, Andy Murray. This playful remark came during a charity mixed doubles match in Melbourne, where Djokovic partnered with Zheng Qinwen against Murray and Victoria Azarenka. The event, part of ‘A Night with Novak,’ aimed to entertain fans while supporting charitable causes.
The match featured on-court microphones, capturing amusing interactions among the players. At one point, Azarenka jestingly requested to replace Murray with Djokovic’s young son, Stefan, citing the Scottish player’s perceived rustiness. Djokovic quipped in agreement, suggesting that Stefan might indeed play better than Murray.
This friendly banter underscores the camaraderie between Djokovic and Murray, who have transitioned from fierce competitors to a coach-player duo. Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion, retired from professional tennis in August 2024 due to persistent injuries. In a surprising move, he joined Djokovic’s coaching team in November 2024, ahead of the Australian Open. Murray humorously revealed that he agreed to coach Djokovic to “sabotage his chances” of winning another Australian Open, referencing his own past defeats to Djokovic in Melbourne finals.
Murray has acknowledged the challenges of his new role, expressing readiness to handle any outbursts from Djokovic during matches. He stated, “I am ready to be on the end of Novak Djokovic outbursts,” indicating his commitment to supporting Djokovic’s pursuit of an eleventh Australian Open title.
This collaboration marks a new chapter in both athletes’ careers, blending their extensive experience and mutual respect. As they prepare for the upcoming Australian Open, their partnership adds an intriguing dynamic to the tournament, with fans eager to see how this legendary duo will perform together.
