Novak Djokovic lavished praise on Andy Murray for all the moments of magic he has produced in 2023 so far, praising the Brit for showing such mental toughness at this stage of his career.
Following his run at the Australian Open, where the Briton won five straight sets, including the longest match of his career, before falling in the third round, Murray reached the final of the Qatar Open.
Although the three-time Grand Slam champion lost to Daniil Medvedev in the summit clash in Doha, it was a tournament to remember for Murray, who saved multiple match points against Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka en route to the final.
Referring to the former world No. 1’s incredible comeback ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Djokovic, who could face Andy Murray in the quarterfinals, was lyrical about the Brit in his pre-tournament press conference.
The Serb recalled meeting Murray when they were both between the ages of 11 and 12, fondly recalling the 35-year-old “kicking his butt” at the time.
“It’s not guaranteed that we’re going to meet, but… Off the pitch we meet, but on the pitch we both need to win two games. I mean, a lot of respect for him. Andy and I have known each other for a long time. “. , I think since we were 11 or 12 years old, ”he said. “That was the first time we met, the first time we played against each other. He kicked my butt, pardon my language, at that point. Since then, we’ve been following each other on the journey to becoming professional players.”
The world No. 1 went on to declare that the three-time Grand Slam champion had “a lot of talent” and a mentality reminiscent of a champion and a fighter.
“We didn’t have much of a gap in terms of results, in terms of time. Maybe I got to the top five before him, but we were always very close,” Djokovic said. “He has a lot of talent, incredible determination, an incredible mentality of a champion, of a fighter.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion further added that he had nothing but admiration for all the courage Murray has shown in recent months, especially considering his hip surgery.
“What’s happening now this year with his match points saved literally every game he plays, the number of hours he’s spent on the pitch since the start of the year, particularly in Australia, is something you have to admire and say ‘capeau’ for everything that has happened with the hip,” he said.
“I’m very happy for him because he’s a great guy, he respects the sport, he works very, very hard” – Novak Djokovic on Andy Murray
Novak Djokovic also pointed out how Andy Murray is constantly looking to improve in his bid to get back to the top level, marveling at how his level just keeps ‘getting better’.
The 35-year-old added that he was “very happy” for the three-time Grand Slam champion, adding that he was a great guy who respected the sport and worked harder than most others on tour.
“You have to keep in mind that he has an artificial hip and he moves the way he does. He’s constantly looking to improve and get back to the top level, which it looks like he’s been doing. He’s just moving up the rankings,” Djokovic. saying. “The level is getting better and better. Yes, I am very happy for him because he is a great guy, he respects the sport, he works very, very hard. Very committed, he deserves his success.”
Andy Murray will open his campaign in Dubai against Hubert Hurkacz, while Djokovic will face Tomas Machac in their first round clash.