Novak Djokovic’s New Coach Andy Murray Delivers Cheeky Jab at the Serb’s Qatar GP Outing

The Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray partnership has excited fans for all the right reasons. While the Serb is currently in Qatar for other work commitments, he’s still under the watchful eye of his new coach, who firmly believes the Serb should focus on his game rather than enjoying a Middle Eastern vacation. Amid their lighthearted banter, the tennis world got a glimpse of a deep friendship which makes them eager to see what exciting developments their collaboration will bring the next year.

Djokovic is having a gala time in Qatar. Recently appointed as Qatar Airways’ Global Ambassador at the Altitude Wellness Center in the Al Maha Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation Building, the former ATP number one experienced the airline’s fleet, including their iconic A380, and reunited with an old tennis academy friend who is now a pilot for the company. However, Djokovic’s Middle Eastern adventure didn’t end there. The Serb visited the McLaren garage during the first and only practice session of the 2024 season’s penultimate round. Adding more excitement, he met with another old friend and popular Mercedes driver George Russell, and shared snippets of their fun conversation. Their lively encounter delighted fans. However, Djokovic’s new coach for the upcoming Melbourne major, Andy Murray had a quirky response to the Serb’s social media post.

The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team shared a photo of Djokovic and Russell on IG, where the Serb posed with car gear alongside Russell. In the next image, the two athletes are caught in a candid conversation. Sharing the photos, the team’s IG page wrote, “Idemo Nole 💪 Ace to welcome you into the team today, @djokernole 🎾.” They also tagged both Russell and Djokovic. However, Andy Murray, Djokovic’s former rival and now coach stole the spotlight with his cheeky yet light-hearted comment: “He should be on the practice court 😮🙂,” wrote Murray hinting that their training session is already off the ground. Djokovic playfully replied, “@andymurray Sorry coach, I will be back soon 😂,” showcasing how their friendship is the foundation of their partnership.

The Murray-Djokovic collaboration is now one of the most-discussed topics. On the Tennis Podcast, British commentator and tennis journalist David Law spoke about the value of the Murray-Djokovic partnership. “Well, I tell you what, he will definitely have a hell of a chance now, compared to before the post was made. I don’t think it’s going to make some otherworldly difference to his game, but there will be tweaks,” Law said, suggesting that while Murray’s influence may not entirely change Djokovic’s playstyle, the Briton’s strategic adjustments could help the Serb secure another Grand Slam title before retirement.

While Djokovic is already gearing up for the next year, his off-season fun is far from over. Meeting two old pals in Qatar made his trip even more exciting. For those unfamiliar, Russell and Djokovic’s friendship began when the Briton accidentally met the tennis legend at a gym. Their casual encounter turned into a memorable moment – eventually leading to them walking home side by side. Over time, their bond strengthened to the point where Russell and his girlfriend, Carmen Mundt, attended Wimbledon this year to cheer for the former ATP number one. Interestingly, Djokovic even offered the Mercedes driver some relationship advice! Sounds intriguing?

When Novak Djokovic helped George Russell with relationship advice

In the 2024 Wimbledon, Djokovic had the support of his friend George Russell and Carmen Mundt, Russell’s girlfriend who cheered for him. Post-match, they shared a fun conversation, during which Djokovic asked Mundt if her beau spoke good Spanish. When Mundt admitted that Russell’s Spanish wasn’t great, the Serb playfully inquired, “If you speak to him in Spanish, does it mean you’re upset?” When Mundt confirmed the case being so, Djokovic turned to Russell, teasingly inadvertently offering his pal a pro hack for figuring out when his girlfriend might be mad. This interesting exchange showcased a side of the ATP legend rarely seen on the court, showcasing his close friendship with Russell.

Djokovic’s trip to Qatar has been a perfect blend of work and fun. From partnering with Qatar Airways as their Global Ambassador to attending F1 practice sessions, he has brilliantly balanced work with personal enjoyment. His Qtar trip showcases that a business trip can easily transform into a memorable experience when approached with the right mindset. Do you agree with it?