Former two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja admitted he was in "total shock" when the Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray collaboration news dropped but also backed the partnership to succeed.
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This past weekend, the tennis community was left both stunned and excited after the Serb announced the newly retired Briton as his coach for the 2025 Australian Open.
To no one's surprise, their collaboration drew major attention and various opinions and perspective on how it might work. While some are very positive and optimistic, some don't really believe that Murray can help much Djokovic.
However, Corretja doesn't share that negative opinion at all. Instead, the former world No. 2 suggests this might be exactly what the 37-year-old needed - something special but also someone who is very familiar with the current competition on the Tour.
Corretja on Djokovic pairing up with Murray
"I was totally in shock. I have to agree for, let's say, 10 seconds, 15 seconds and right away I thought, what a smart move from Novak and from Andy, at the same time.' I felt like Novak needs big and huge motivations, and he wants to bring someone special, someone that understands the game very well, which he's been playing for the last 15-20 years on Tour, and he just retired. He might help him to try things that maybe he's shown in Andy that he didn't have those skills, and he's thinking about him. On the other hand, I felt like for Andy, it is a great opportunity," Corretja told Eurosport.
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In the same interview, the former Spanish tennis player added that Murray could help a lot in the tactical department but also help the Serb relax at times. Also, Corretja said he expected Djokovic to be more aggressive next year, especially against the younger guys.
At the end of his message, Corretja also said this move was made so the record 24-time Grand Slam champion could show everyone that he was "still hungry" for more success.
One thing is for sure, the Djokovic and Murray collab will be one of the main storylines of the 2025 Australian Open.
