Janko Tipsarevic, a former Serbian tennis star, has dismissed the allegations that Novak Djokovic’s decision to bring Andy Murray on board was purely a publicity stunt. Tipsarevic insists that Djokovic, a record holder of 24 Grand Slam titles, made a brilliant choice in integrating the British player into his team.
Critics and skeptics of Djokovic have been promoting the theory that Djokovic’s hiring of Murray, one of his most formidable tennis competitors, was a mere tactic to regain the spotlight after Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz took center stage in the 2024 season.
However, the results of the pair’s first tournament together as a player/coach team quickly silenced the critics. Thanks to Murray’s strategic guidance, Djokovic triumphed over Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarterfinal. Despite Djokovic’s subsequent retirement from his next match against Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring injury, it was undeniable that the new coaching arrangement was off to a promising start.
In a recent interview on The Tennis Podcast, Tipsarevic came to Murray’s defense amid the controversy. “When I mention glorified towel boys and individuals who are around merely to pick up balls, Andy doesn’t fit the bill,” stated the ex-world No. 8. He further emphasized that Murray’s effectiveness as a coach has nothing to do with his previous achievements as a tennis player. “It’s clear from his character that he loves the sport,” Tipsarevic added.
Some have suggested that Djokovic should have chosen a coach with prior experience or even a tennis luminary like Pete Sampras. To this, Tipsarevic responded by asserting that Murray was the best possible addition to Djokovic’s team. “There’s no one better on tour for Novak as an all-inclusive package, someone he knows personally and respects. He knows that Murray will put the same 100% effort into the job as he is currently putting into his career,” he explained.
In the meanwhile, the British tennis icon is accompanying Djokovic at the tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami. The future of this player/coach partnership promises to be intriguing for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.