The news that Andy Murray is Novak Djokovic’s new coach has not been met with enthusiasm in Great Britain, with some going as far as to see it as a national betrayal.
Simon Briggs, a renowned British journalist for the Telegraph, did not spare the favorite of the British public and the man who finally managed to fulfill the British dream of one of their own winning Wimbledon.
While everyone in Serbia is delighted with the collaboration between the two friends who have known each other since childhood, the situation in England is not even remotely similar.
“Andy Murray’s invaluable engagement with Novak Djokovic should encourage British tennis to bring him back,” Briggs began.
At one point, he highlighted a thought that appeared among the fans.
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“Well done, Andy, but what about us?” the Briton asked on behalf of everyone, prompted by 1959 Roland Garros winner Christine Truman, who asked if Murray would later help British hopes.
“There’s a bit of jealousy in the idea of Murray choosing to work with the greatest of all time, Novak Djokovic – when there are also Britons who are looking for advice and inspiration,” Briggs wrote.
He then went so far as to feel a kind of national betrayal that Murray did not choose to work with Jack Draper, to whom he has become a true mentor in recent years.
“Won’t it be a bit embarrassing if Draper, for example, plays Djokovic in the fourth round of the Australian Open while Murray is cheering for the ‘wrong’ player and offering him tactical advice? Maybe a little. However, it must be said that tennis is a global sport in which all nations mix – a traveling circus where friendships and professional alliances regularly cross national borders.”
He continued…
“It’s not like it’s a lifelong job. They’re both 37 years old; Murray is only a week older, and that’s a warning that Novak’s fuel is running out, too. You could say this is a last attempt, with an eye on publicity too, as Djokovic wants to end his brilliant career in a brilliant way. Currently, we’re talking about a short-term collaboration. They should start working together a little before the Australian Open and see what happens after the first Grand Slam or whether they will extend their collaboration until Wimbledon. That would be a real circus… However long their friendship lasts, it also represents a unique coaching experience for Murray, which will bring an interesting plot to tennis. It could benefit both sides – especially if Murray then coaches Draper or some other of our tennis players,” Briggs did not give up at any moment.
Briggs has over the years mostly become an expert on cricket, about which he has also written a book, but he is also a highly respected name in tennis circles.
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Source: Nova.rs, Photo: EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN