Novak Djokovic lavished reward on Andy Murray for all of the moments of magic he has produced in 2023 to date, hailing the Brit for displaying such psychological toughness at this stage in his profession.

Following his run on the Australian Open, the place the Brit gained back-to-back five-setters, together with the longest match of his profession, earlier than falling within the third spherical, Murray made his strategy to the ultimate of the Qatar Open.

Though the three-time Grand Slam champion succumbed to Daniil Medvedev within the summit conflict in Doha, it was a event to recollect for Murray, who saved a number of match factors towards each Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka enroute to the ultimate.

Referring to the previous World No. 1’s unimaginable resurgence forward of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Djokovic, who may tackle Andy Murray within the quarterfinals, waxed lyrical in regards to the Brit at his pre-tournament press convention.

The Serb recalled assembly Murray again once they have been each 11-12 years outdated, fondly remembering that the 35-year-old “kicked his a**” on the time.

“It isn’t assured that we’ll meet, however… Off the courtroom we meet, however on the courtroom we each have to win two matches. I imply, enormous respect to him. Andy and I’m going again a very long time, I feel since we have been 11 or 12 years outdated,” he stated. “That is the primary time we met, first time we performed towards one another. He kicked my a** – sorry for my language – at the moment. Ever since then we type of adopted one another on the journey to grow to be skilled gamers.”

The World No. 1 went on to declare that the three-time Grand Slam had “a lot expertise” and a mentality that’s harking back to a champion and a fighter.

“We did not have a lot separation by way of outcomes, by way of time. Perhaps I broke by to the highest 5 sooner than he did, however we have been very shut at all times,” Djokovic stated. “He is received a lot expertise, unimaginable grit, unimaginable mentality of a champion, of a fighter.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion additional added that he had nothing however admiration for all of the grit Murray has displayed during the last couple of months, particularly contemplating his hip surgical procedure.

“What is going on now this 12 months together with his match factors saved in actually each match he performs, the quantity of hours he spent on the courtroom for the reason that starting of the 12 months, significantly in Australia, is simply one thing you should admire and say ‘chapeau’ due to the whole lot he has gone by together with his hip,” he stated.

“I am very blissful for him as a result of he is an incredible man, respects the game, works very, very laborious” – Novak Djokovic on Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic additionally identified how Andy Murray consistently appears to be like to enhance himself in his try and get again to the best stage, marveling at how his stage retains getting “higher and higher.”

The 35-year-old went on so as to add that he was “very blissful” for the three-time Grand Slam champion, including that he was an incredible man who revered the game and labored more durable than most others on tour.

“You need to notice that he has a man-made hip and he is transferring the best way he does. He is consistently seeking to enhance and to get again to the best stage, which it looks like he is been doing. He is simply rising within the rankings,” Djokovic stated. “The extent is best and higher. Yeah, I am very blissful for him as a result of he is an incredible man, respects the game, works very, very laborious. So very dedicated, he deserves his success.”

Andy Murray will open his Dubai marketing campaign towards Hubert Hurkacz, whereas Djokovic will tackle Tomas Machac in his first-round conflict.