“I’m excited to have one of my greatest rivals in my team, on the same side of the net, this time as my coach”, said Novak Djokovic on Saturday while revealing that Andy Murray will be his new coach. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will start a new journey with his long-time rival and friend when he begins his next season in 2025. While the hype has been all the over place since this news broke out, not everyone seems to be hopeful to see a great chemistry between the two. According to a reputed sports insider, Djokovic-Murray’s camaraderie might not be as convincing as that of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s.

In an episode of The Tennis Podcast, dated November 24th, British commentator and insider Catherine Whitaker expressed her honest thoughts on Novak and Andy’s surprise partnership. While comparing their overall bond with the likes of Federer and Nadal, she tried to imply that Djokovic-Murray’s player-coach dynamic won’t necessarily end up in a deep friendship. And even if it does, it may not seem as impressive as Nadal and Federer’s bond. “I don’t think they’re ever going to have the heartwarming vibe between them that Federer and Nadal have. I just don’t think that’s them and their personalities,” said Catherine Whitaker, a renowned British reporter, in the podcast.

Precisely speaking, she didn’t seem convinced of the Briton and Serbian’s deep, friendly equation in recent years. “I think the sort of animosity between them has fluctuated over the years. But I don’t think they’ve ever been friends. So I’m thinking sort of, you know, coaching someone involves spending a lot of time with them,” added the insider. What she meant to say is that the two may not really share a heartwarming relationship. As coach, Murray will need to understand Djokovic more on a personal level and vice-versa to have a special bond between them, beyond the court. But Catherine doesn’t believe anything like that will happen.

Well there’s a big reason to believe so considering the kind of bond Nadal and Federer have shared with each other. Probably that’s why the Swiss Maestro wrote a heartfelt letter to Rafa ahead of his farewell match earlier this week. In his letter, Federer confessed that he always admired Nadal off-court as well, beyond their iconic tennis encounters. “Your rituals, assembling water bottles, adjusting your underwear, fixing your hair… secretly, I kind of loved it. Because it was so unique—it was so you,” he wrote. “I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next,” he added while letting Nadal know that their bond will only grow deeper with time. Considering that, insider Catherine thinks it’s hard for Novak and Andy to replicate a similar chemistry.

But coming back to Djokovic’s preparations for 2025, he seems very confident of the next season. With Murray on his side, the Serbian will look to extend his Grand Slam tally to 25 at the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic setting his sights straight on the Australian Open in 2025

Novak Djokovic withdrew his name from this year’s ATP Finals event earlier this month. He cited an ongoing injury as a major reason for pulling back his name. However, the former world no.1 is still hopeful and confident of a strong comeback next year. While the injury is keeping him away from the court, he’s expecting to be back on time. Especially for the first Major tournament of 2025 – the Australian Open.

“Tennis is still my focus! I am going at full throttle in the off-season. We go for another ride. I just needed to recharge and refresh a bit after an exhausting year,” said Novak, as revealed by Tennis Majors on November 8th. Moreover, he made it clear that he will definitely participate in the Australian Open – just in case if anyone was in doubt. “I am going to play in the first week of the season. I am just not sure yet where. Then, of course, Australian Open,” he concluded.

The Serbian has dominated this Grand Slam event throughout his career, winning it 10 times already. His last appearance in Australia, however, didn’t go as per expectations. Jannik Sinner defeated him in the semis earlier this year. Of course, Djoker will look to regain his momentum this time while adding one more Major trophy to his cabinet. Do you think he will be able to do it? Let us know in the comments below.