Andy Murray (L) and Novak Djokovic (zimbio.com)
World No.1 Andy Murray has jumped to the defence of Novak Djokovic after he suffered a shock loss to Denis Istomin at the Australian Open on Thursday.
The six-time champion crashed out in five-sets to the underdog in the second round, suffering his earliest loss in Melbourne since 2006. Djokovic’s exit occurred less than a month after he downed Murray in the final of the Doha Open. The unexpected outcome in the tournament was one that stunned the tennis community, including the top seed.
“(I’m) obviously surprised. Novak’s record here speaks for itself. He’s had incredible success here over the years. He obviously loves the conditions.” Murray said.
Djokovic’s loss is latest setback for the 14-time grand slam champion. Throughout the second half of 2016, he struggled with both mental and physical issues as he lost his world No.1 ranking. Shortly after lifting his first French Open title, Djokovic admitted to motivational issues. Then, during the North American and Asian swing of the tour, he was plagued by an elbow injury.
Within the past eight months Djokovic has only managed to win two titles on the tour, a stark decline for a player who won 11 trophies throughout the 2015 season. The loosening of his control on the men’s tour has opened the door for the Murray era to be born. Nevertheless, Murray has dismissed allegations that his rival is struggling.
“Struggling by the highest standards. But compared with most players, it’s not been that bad really.” Murray responded when asked about Djokovic’s current form.
“He has played some really good stuff over the last six or seven months, too. It’s just not been, as consistent as what it was the three years before. But how anyone is expected to keep up that level for their whole career, it’s just unreasonable to expect that of anyone.” He added.
With his nemesis out of the picture, Murray’s chances of winning the Melbourne title for the first time has been elevated. Reaching the fourth round without dropping a set, the Brit has already defeated Illya Marchenko, Andrey Rublev and Sam Querrey. Everything is going to plan for the British camp, but his mentality remained unchanged following the absence of a player who has defeated him in the Melbourne final four times since 2011.
“It doesn’t change anything unless I was to potentially reach the final, because I can’t play Novak in the fourth round or in the third round.” The world No.1 explained.
Murray’s next test will be Germany’s Mischa Zverev, who will play in the last 16 of a major for the first time. Marred by injury throughout his career, the 29-year-old has climbed over 100 places in the world rankings over the past 12 months. Zverev’s latest achievement is set to elevated him inside the top 40 for the first time in his career.
“He plays a very different game style to most of the guys now. He’s serve-volleying, coming forward as much as possible, not with the most powerful game. He doesn’t serve, like, 220 kilometers an hour. He serves 185s, 190s, but places it well.” Murray said about his upcoming opponent.
“People say you can’t play that way any more and be successful, but he’s done that the last few months.”
This year Murray is bidding to become the first British man to win the Australian Open since Fred Perry in 1934.