Novak Djokovic on his relationship with Andy Murray: ‘Can’t be friends’

Djokovic arrives back In Serbia after deportation from Australia

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Novak Djokovic’s coach Marian Vajda has expressed bemusement at the decision made by Australia to deport the Serbian star last week. He also said that Djokovic has been mentally impacted by the saga which led to him being unable to compete in the Australian Open. Mr Vjada told Sport Klub : “I still don’t understand why they did it to him. It was an unhealthy and unjust decision, based on the assumption that Djokovic could do or influence something that has not yet happened. “I haven’t communicated with him since he arrived in Belgrade. It is clear that that it hit him mentally, it will hurt him for a long time and it will be difficult to get it out of his head.

“We wrote to each other, we haven’t spoken over the phone. He used his mobile phone a little. I can’t imagine how he handled it, it must have been a huge suffering. He humbly endured all measures, but what they did to him must mark him. It was a political process.”

Djokovic has won 20 Grand Slam titles, which puts him level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Another man who has given him stiff competition is Andy Murray, and the Serb once admitted that he can’t be friends with the Briton due to their battles on the court.

Djokovic made the comments after Murray propelled himself alongside the very elite in 2012, winning Wimbledon and a gold medal at the Olympic Games in London.

Djokovic said at the time: “So much of tennis is mental strength and I believe the Olympic win has brought Andy that.

“I think he will use it as a springboard to now go and win majors.

“I can’t be friends with Andy, though. I really like the guy — but how can you go and be best friends with a guy who you know you are going to be doing battle with?

“It is true for myself, Roger, Rafa and now Andy. We like each other and there is mutual respect but common sense tells you we can’t be best friends and hang out.”

Djokovic found out himself how competitive it can be at the top when he began to break onto the scene.

In 2008, Federer hit out at Djokovic suggesting he played up injury issues at crucial times in matches to disrupt the momentum.

The Swiss star said at the time: “You know I don’t trust his injuries … I mean I’m serious, and I think that he’s a joke when he comes down to these injuries.

“The rules are there to be used but not abused and that’s what he’s been doing many times. That’s why I wasn’t happy to see him doing that and then running around like a rabbit again. Yeah it was a good handshake for me. I was happy to beat him.”

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Djokovic’s father, Srdan, didn’t take this lying down.

He responded: “Federer is perhaps still the best tennis player in history, but as a man he’s the opposite.

“He realised that he (Djokovic) was his successor and was trying to discredit him in every way.”

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