The Scot, whose success briefly formed a ‘Big Four’ alongside the aforementioned trio, admitted Djokovic’s sheer volume of titles could be deemed GOAT-worthy but also gave a more balanced take on the perennial debate.
“What all those guys have achieved is amazing,” he said in 2023. “If you just go on Grand Slam titles, then you’d have to give that to Novak but for me, it’s just slightly more nuanced than that.
“The thing that for me has been really special about those three guys is their [ability to dominate certain] surfaces. Rafa on the clay, I don’t think anyone can doubt who’s the best clay court player of all time.
“For me, Novak is clearly the best hard court player of all time and then grass is kind of still to be decided, between probably [Novak] and Roger. But yeah, what all those guys have achieved is amazing.”
Murray will now assist Djokovic throughout the offseason and during the Australian Open as the Serb looks to secure an 11th title Down Under. Djokovic confirmed the news by publishing a video on social media along with the caption: “He never liked retirement anyway.”
Speaking over a highlight reel of moments between the duo, Djokovic announced his latest appointment. “We played each other since we were boys,” he said.
“Twenty-five years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk-takers, history-makers. I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome on board coach Andy Murray.”
Murray confirmed his role after the announcement, saying: “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the offseason, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals”.
Murray played his last professional tennis match at the 2024 Paris Olympics in July. He fell to defeat in the doubles competition to the United States, alongside partner Dan Evans in the quarter-finals.
Another one of his great rivals, Nadal, also said an emotional farewell to tennis just last week after an astonishing career which saw him claim 22 Grand Slams. Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, was the first of the ‘Big Three’ to retire back in September 2022.
