The tennis world is abuzz as players and fans alike gear up for an exciting new season. Among the many surprises brewing, one change has left everyone talking—Novak Djokovic teaming up with none other than his former fierce rival, Andy Murray. In a remarkable move on November 23rd, The Serbian legend announced that he would join forces with Murray, marking a partnership no one saw coming. The tennis community is buzzing with reactions, and the latest to chime in is none other than the charismatic French star Gael Monfils.

In a surprising move in November, the Serbian star announced that Murray will be coaching him at least till the end of the Australian Open next year and expressed his excitement. Similar sentiments were shared by Murray who shared his happiness in being on the same side of the net with Nole for the Grand Slam. Now, Monfils believes that this partnership will boost Djokovic’s strength and pose serious challenges ahead of him.

Speaking in an interaction with Tennis Weekly Podcast, Monfils expressed his excitement to witness Murray and Djokovic on the same side of the net. “I was happy because Andy loves the game and the sport. Of course, he wants to be back in the sport somehow and help. Now for him to help a player, one of his biggest rivals, is great for the sport and great for him. It’s great Novak thought about him,” he said. However, when asked if this partnership would pose challenges for him, Monfils made a true confession. 

“I think for sure [it might be tougher]. For me it’s already tough, I have never beaten him! I don’t even think to win the next one with Andy,” he added. Remember, Djokovic and Monfils have faced each other 19 times on the tennis circuit with Nole emerging victorious in all matches. And now, Gael Monfils believes that defeating him would be even more difficult with Murray joining his camp. But interestingly, while Monfils is highlighting apprehension, there is some skepticism prevailing in the tennis corridors over the partnership of both players. 

Earlier, former British player Greg Rusedski shared that the partnership can have both positive and negative impacts. “Novak Djokovic coached by Andy Murray is going to be fascinating  to watch the player coach relationship. Andy is a great tactician, knows all the current player’s strengths & weaknesses,” he wrote on X adding. “This could be an inspired choice or will it be a clash of personalities? Intriguing,” Rusedski added. Meanwhile, amidst the mixed reactions that are pouring in from across the tennis community, Nole has continued to remain positive and confident of his partnership with the Scot especially because of the immense experience that he possesses.

When Novak Djokovic revealed the reason behind partnering with Andy Murray

It is usually unexpected for top players who once played as arch-rivals to partner with each other even when one of them retires from the sport. But Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic have scripted history with their move, thereby setting an example. But what led to this strategic partnership? Well, Djokovic revealed about it himself. 

Interacting with Sky Sports, Djokovic said, “I realized the perfect coach for me at this point would be someone who has been through experiences that I’m going through, possibly a multiple Grand Slam winner, former No.1 I was thinking about different people and Andy Murray discussion appeared on the table with me and my team and we were like okay I’m gonna give him a call and see how it goes.” He revealed that he quickly contacted Murray and the Scot admitted his request.

For the unversed, Murray’s addition to Djokovic’s team will bring immense experience that the Scot has garnered by winning three Grand Slams at the US Open and Wimbledon. Besides, he also boasts two Olympic Gold Medals, from the 2012 London 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. Now, as time evolves, it would be interesting to see how this former World No. 1 helps Djokovic and if the duo will amass more accolades together.