"He’s one of the most brilliant Tennis IQ guys out there": Novak Djokovic still sees coaching future for Andy Murray

Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic has once again praised former world number one Andy Murray despite parting ways with him in the recent past. The 38-year-old, who is currently taking part in the ongoing French Open, talked to the media after cementing his spot in the round of 64 with a straight-set win over America’s Mackenzie McDonald with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, where he praised his former coach in glittering words.

Djokovic stated that even though the two have parted ways just six months after joining hands in what turned out to be one of the most talked-about partnership in the sport, he is sure that any player who would have Murray as his coach would be lucky, because according to the 24-time Grand Slam winner, the 38-year-old has ‘one of the most brilliant Tennis IQ’.

“I think I’ve said enough but I’ll say it again,” he said. “Andy is an amazing person. Someone I’ve spent most of my career with since a very young age on tour traveling, playing, facing him in Under 12’s all the way to the last days of his career. For him to join my team and for us to give a shot to this player/coach relationship was an incredible thing for tennis and both of us. I was very privileged and honored. I was enjoying myself very much, regardless of the fact that we didn’t have maybe the success we both wanted or people expected us to have. But I still think I’ve learned things on court with him. I’ve enjoyed my conversations with him about tennis. I still think he’s one of the most brilliant Tennis IQ guys out there. Whoever he decides to work with next, if and when, that player is going to be lucky. He has a lot to share. A lot of great insights. It didn’t work out between us in terms of results and what we were hoping for.. that’s all there is to it. I actually enjoyed my time very much with him. I feel like we have a closer relationship because of our working relationship the last 4 or 5 months.”

Djokovic, who recently lifted his 100th ATP title in Geneva, is now set to face France’s Corentin Moutet in the round of 64. The 26-year-old cemented his spot in the next round after beating his fellow countryman Clement Tabur in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.