‘High IQ’ Murray a natural coach, says Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has been pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of new coach Andy Murray in the leadup to the Australian Open but said sharing his deepest thoughts with his former rival had initially been a challenge.
Briton Murray joined Djokovic’s team in November to help the Serb’s bid for an 11th title at Melbourne Park and a record 25th Grand Slam trophy.
Firm friends, Murray played Djokovic 36 times from 2006-2022, losing 25 including four Australian Open finals.
Though yet to put their partnership to the test in a match, Djokovic was impressed with Murray’s dedication and efforts to gel with other members of his team.
“So far has been only positive experience for me, to be honest,” Djokovic told reporters on Friday.
“I’m very pleasantly surprised with his dedication and professionalism, considering he’s never had the experience of working as a tennis coach.
“It comes natural to him. His IQ generally and tennis IQ is very high.”
Djokovic said they had spent 10-12 days with each other in the pre-season before linking up at Melbourne Park where the seventh-seeded Serb will face American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.
Despite their good relations and long playing history, Djokovic said opening up to Murray was a “strange feeling” at first.
“Not just about the game but about how I feel, about life in general,” he added.
“Not in a negative way, but just in a way I have never done that with him because he was always one of my greatest rivals.
“We were always kind of hiding things from each other.
“Now all cards are open on the table. That’s what he demands.”
While forthcoming with Murray, Djokovic was in no mood to elaborate on comments that he had been fed poisoned food while in detention during the 2022 Australian Open visa saga.
The Serb told GQ that he found high levels of mercury and lead in his system when he returned home to Serbia after being deported from Australia.
Asked about the comments on Friday, Djokovic said he would rather “focus on the tennis.”
Veteran Monfils defies age to book spot in Auckland final
Former world number six Gael Monfils clinched a 7-6(5) 6-4 win over Nishesh Basavareddy in the Auckland Classic semi-finals on Friday to become the second-oldest player to reach an ATP Tour final since 1990. Monfils, 38, saved all five of the breakpoints he faced and sent down seven aces to defeat the 19-year-old American in one hour and 48 minutes.
It was Monfils’ second win over Basavareddy in as many weeks after he took three sets to win their round of 32 meeting in Brisbane.
“I am very happy. This kid has a bright future, he is playing really well,” Monfils said.
“I played quite well today. Moved great, defended well. He pushed me to the limit. I knew it would be tough and it was tough. I trust my fitness and am pleased to have won in straight sets.”
Monfils faces Belgian Zizou Bergs in the final today, where the Frenchman will be looking to win the 13th tour-level title of his career.
He will then meet compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round of the Australian Open on Monday.
In the Adelaide International, world number seven Jessica Pegula beat Kazakh Yulia Putintseva 7-6(4) 6-3 in a close-fought semi-final encounter.
In the final, the American will face fellow former US Open finalist Madison Keys, who was on the verge of a comeback win before her Russian opponent Liudmila Samsonova retired with an abdominal injury.
“We’re playing some good tennis. The way I would like it is for us to meet in the finals every time,” Pegula said.
Fellow American Sebastian Korda reached the final in the men’s tournament, beating Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 7-6(4) later in the day.
Korda faces Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime, who beat Tommy Paul 7-6(3) 3-6 6-4 in the other semi-final, today in a clash of two former Australian Open quarter-finalists.