"When Novak Djokovic comes knocking, you say yes" - Former British No.1 chimes in on partnership between the Serbian and Andy Murray

The collaboration between Novak Djokovic and rival Andy Murray may have come as a surprise to many, but makes a lot of sense considering the people involved, says former British No.1 Andrew Castle.

Murray formally retired from competitive tennis at last summer's Olympic Games, teaming with compatriot Dan Evans in the men's doubles event. However, the three-time Grand Slam champion did not spend too much time away from the sport, as it was announced he would join longtime rival Djokovic's team in a coaching capacity, much to the shock of several in the tennis community.

The pair began working together last November and their collaboration was only meant to last through the 2025 Australian Open. However, the duo seem to enjoy their working relationship as Murray has been in Djokovic's corner during the ATP Masters 1000 events and possibly Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Murray is not the first Grand Slam champion to work with Djokovic as a coach, the Serbian superstar hired former World No.1 Boris Becker from 2013 till 2016. Castle revealed he had spoken with the retired German star, who stated he enjoyed working with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

"I was quite surprised that it [Murray as Djokovic's coach] continued after Australia, I was very surprised he hired him in the first place," said Castle in an interview with Globusbet. "But it's a meeting of the minds and a meeting of two guys who have had to face each other in some of their most important matches.
"I was surprised when I saw it as a move from both. But when Novak Djokovic comes knocking, no matter who you are even when you were playing and as rivals, you say yes.
"I spoke to Boris Becker about it, and he was telling me what an honor it is to work with the best player of all-time. That's a pretty cool thing. Andy has moved straight in as a coach and has got the world's greatest. I think it is very interesting."

Although their partnership has yet to yield a title, Djokovic has reached the final of the Miami Open and semifinals of the Australian Open. However, the 37-year old suffered two opening round losses at both the Monte-Carlo Masters and Madrid Open. Djokovic opted to withdraw from the ongoing Rome Open, as the 37-year old ramps up his preparations for Roland Garros.