In Melbourne, home of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season (January 12 to 26), the tennis world is getting ready to break out the popcorn. A welcome distraction, at a time when doping scandals involving two of its headliners – Italy’s Jannik Sinner (world No.1) and Poland’s Iga Swiatek (world No.2) – are damaging its image.
On Monday, January 13, Australian fans at the Rod Laver Arena will have a front-row seat to witness the reunion of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Not on opposite sides of the net, as in the good old days of their 36-year rivalry (including seven Grand Slam finals): This time, the Scot will be officiating from the Serb’s “box,” having been recruited to coach his former rival after retiring following the Paris Olympic Games.
“We played each other since we were boys,” commented Djokovic in a video posted on his social media on November 23 to make this four-star recruitment official. “Twenty-five years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in our sport (…). 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.”
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