Kyrgios’ Murray verdict spoke volumes after | Sports News

Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios lauded Andy Murray’s contributions as Novak Djokovic’s coach on the Australian Open earlier this yr – dubbing his efforts “incredible”. The former Wimbledon runner-up was left suitably impressed with the Scotsman’s work within the box as his shopper reached the semi-finals in Melbourne. 

The former British No. 1 was put in by his ex-rival back in November in what was a shock transfer, as Murray ready to embark on a transfer into teaching for the primary time. The three-time Grand Slam victor hung up his racket final yr following a glittering profession of his own.

Murray’s partnership with Djokovic stretched over 4 match appearances general – as they collaborated on the Australian Open, Indian Wells and in Miami and Madrid. The Scottish legend additionally attracted reward from figures, together with Kyrgios for his efforts at Melbourne Park earlier this yr as his shopper reached the final 4. 

As the Serbian grasp was compelled to retire on the semi-final stage after choosing up an harm versus Alexander Zverev, one fan daid on social media: “Can I just say that as a first tournament as coach, I think Andy Murray was f—— incredible,” to which Kyrgios replied: “Absolutely- one thing we can agree on.”

Reflecting on this run, Murray later mentioned: “I think he was always going to go out there and give it a good shot. He obviously didn’t train the last couple of days. He practiced right before the match and was feeling good enough to give it a go. It was an unfortunate way to finish.

“The match that he performed in opposition to Alcaraz was some unimaginable tennis, wonderful to watch from the facet from that close, it was an wonderful efficiency. He’d been getting step by step higher because the match was progressing I believe. It’s clearly a actually unlucky option to end.”

Giving his own reminiscences of an eventful run as Djokovic’s right-hand man in Melbourne, he continued: “As a participant, you by no means know the pace of your own shot, the pace of your ball, what impression it’s having on the man down the opposite finish, what are they feeling.

“If I [had been] able to hear from Novak or [Roger] Federer or [Rafael] Nadal when I was playing against them, ‘oh, I hate it when you do this to me or when you hit this shot’, that would have been a huge, huge help to me to know that.”

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However, Djokovic confirmed that their partnership will come to a close heading into the French Open, the 24-time main singles title-holder mentioned: “Thank you, coach Andy, for all the hard work, fun and support over last six months on and off the court. I really enjoyed deepening our friendship together.”

Meanwhile, Murray duly added: “Thanks to Novak for the unbelievable opportunity to work together and thanks to his team for all their hard work over the past six months.“I wish Novak all the best for the rest of the season.”