Andy Murray takes hat off to ‘incredible’ Novak Djokovic for Nadal and Federer comeback | Tennis | Sport

Andy Murray has hailed Novak Djokvovic’s “strength of character” after the Serb set a new male record of 23 Grand Slam titles. The two 36-year-olds practised together on Court 14 at Wimbledon on Saturday before The Championships start on Monday.

World No 39 Murray will be bidding to reach the second here for the first time since his two hip operations. But French Open winner Djokovic is seeking to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon wins and draw level with Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

And Murray said: “It’s incredible what he’s achieved. To have passed Rafa and Roger in the Grand Slam title chase, whatever you want to call it, it’s amazing. I think if you look eight to 10 years, the numbers, how far away he was from them, what he’s gone on to achieve in sort of the latter stages of his career, it’s been incredible. Also doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.

“I think what he did at the French Open, it was phenomenal. Brilliant performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. Then just very clinical, considering how much was on the line.

“I think the thing that you have to admire about him is that he’s been very clear on what it is that he wants to achieve, trying to get that Grand Slam record. When he put himself in a position to do that, like, he delivered. He didn’t look like he was getting nervous or overthinking it or any of those things. Yeah, he went and did it. It shows the strength of character that he’s got.”

Murray and Djokovic grew up playing and practising together but have only hit at the Laver Cup last year since a hit just before the 2019 Australian Open when the Scot feared his career was over. “I did well in the practice today,” reported the Scot. “The last time we practised together was at the Laver Cup. Before then, it had been quite a long time. I can’t remember exactly what it was. It was maybe in Australia when I was having the issues with my hip. I think it was probably the last time.

“Where I am today in comparison to where I was then is night and day, just from a mental perspective, my enjoyment of the game, and how I’m still able to compete with those guys. I didn’t feel like I could really back then.

“Happy to be in that position still. I really enjoyed it. We used to practise together quite a lot actually. A lot of the top players, certainly I never practised with Roger after 2007. Rafa I would practise with sometimes, but I don’t think Rafa and Novak really ever trained with each other. Me and Novak always practised with each other even when we were competing for Grand Slams and stuff. It was nice to be back on the court with him again.”