• The legendary rivals had been working together since Australian Open build-up 
  • Djokovic reached the Australian Open semi-finals but has struggled since 
  • Now, the Serbian has opened up on reuniting with Murray at Nadal’s farewell 

By MATTHEW LAMBWELL

Novak Djokovic’s meeting with Andy Murray at Rafael Nadal’s farewell on Sunday night had the potential for awkwardness given their so recently ended partnership – which was followed by the Serb’s 100th title in Geneva.

But Djokovic revealed that Murray, typically, broke the ice.

‘He did congratulate me, and he said, Now that you have a proper coach, you’re winning tournaments,’ said the 38-year-old, who brought in Serbia’s Davis Cup captain Dusan Vemic for Geneva and the French Open.

‘Of course he was joking, but, I think I have said enough but I will say it again: Andy is just an amazing person.

‘For him to join my team and for us to give a shot to this player/coach relationship was really an incredible thing for tennis and for both of us. I was very privileged and honoured. I was enjoying myself very much regardless of the fact that we haven’t had maybe the success we both wanted or people expected us to have.’

Reflecting on the wonderful farewell ceremony for Nadal on Philippe Chatrier, when he was joined on court by Djokovic, Murray and Roger Federer, the 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted it had made him consider his own tennis mortality.

Left to right: Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros

Left to right: Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros

Djokovic and Murray had been in a partnership but ended it just six weeks before Wimbledon

Djokovic and Murray had been in a partnership but ended it just six weeks before Wimbledon 

‘Honestly I was thinking about my end of the road as well when we were watching Rafa having his speech, particularly those moments when we were in the back room, the three of us, and I was talking to Federer and Murray about their good-byes and reminiscing and reflecting on the rivalries,’ he said.

‘Of course part of me is proud that I’m still there, that I’m still going, but at the same time I am a bit sad they’re all gone, because those guys were my greatest motivations of why I competed so intensely and for so long.

‘Rafa deserved what he got yesterday in full intensity of its glory, and of course each one of us dreams of being remembered in such way and celebrated. I do wish one day that I can get the kind of good-bye from the world of tennis, for sure.

‘But I didn’t think about the exact date, if that’s what you’re looking for!’

Djokovic comes into his latest attempt to win a 25th Grand Slam title with a rather more rosy outlook than would have been the case a week ago. Victory in Geneva came after first-match exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid.

‘I needed to win matches, and particularly on this surface. I’m the type of player that needs to get some matches under his belt before the big tournaments.

‘Geneva felt a great chance for me to get some matches, but it’s also a great chance to win 100th title, and I’ll take anything that is kind of left on the table in a sense. Casper Ruud was not in the tournament this year. He was dominating the last three years. I actually saw him, and I said, Thanks for not coming there and letting me win.

‘It’s a different feeling for me now than it was two, three weeks ago, for sure. So I’m just glad it all turned out to be perfect for me in that sense, and yeah, let’s see how I’m able to play here in Paris.’

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Novak Djokovic opens up on reunion with Andy Murray at Rafael Nadal’s farewell – after tennis legends ended partnership ahead of Wimbledon

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