French tennis ace Nicolas Mahut has suggested that Novak Djokovic’s “violent” outbursts could be directed at Andy Murray as they begin their coaching partnership. Djokovic, a long-time rival of Murray, has enlisted the Brit to join his team during the off-season and into the Australian Open.
Both players are known for their on-court “meltdowns,” and Mahut believes this dynamic could continue with Murray in Djokovic’s corner. Djokovic, currently ranked No. 7 globally, parted ways with his long-standing coach Goran Ivanisevic in March and hadn’t appointed a full-time replacement until now.
The announcement came less than four months after three-time Major winner Murray retired at the Olympics. Fans will get a glimpse of their team dynamics in January at the Australian Open.
However, former doubles No. 1 Mahut predicts things could get intense. Speaking to Eurosport, he said: “Both have had a tendency in their career to get carried away with their box, to sometimes have lapses or meltdowns. Andy will understand very well what Novak will feel on the field, and he will also be able to help him I think.”
The 42-year-old was asked if he anticipated Djokovic’s coaching dynamic with Murray to be as intense as previous experiences, notably with Ivanisevic. And Mahut said: “At first, he should be a little more measured. But, in action… Novak deeply respected Ivanisevic and he targeted him several times.
“Andy, it’s the same, it happened with Lendl. With Amelie Mauresmo, he was a little more contained, but it happened to him too. In fact, he knows what goes on in the head of a very high-level player sometimes.”
Mahut expressed optimism about the duo’s teamwork, emphasizing Murray’s recent retirement as an advantage for understanding Djokovic’s present adversaries. “What is especially interesting for Novak and Andy is that in terms of playing style and approach, they speak the same language,” he said, further explaining their tactical similarities.
“When Andy approaches the match, he can, in certain tactical aspects, have the same way of operating and the same strategic approach as Novak.
“It was no longer the same Andy who faced [Jannik] Sinner or [Carlos] Alcaraz, of course, but he necessarily took away certain things from them.”