Novak Djokovic has joked that he will “pass” on becoming Andy Murray’s lover. The blockbuster duo have been rivals on the court for over two decades and are both competing at the Olympic Games.
Murray, who defeated Djokovic in the 2012 US Open final and the 2013 Wimbledon final, is set to bring his playing career to an end after the Olympics in Paris.
The 37-year-old has battled injury problems for years and broke down in tears as he was given a send off by Sue Barker on Centre Court at Wimbledon earlier this month.
Murray took to Instagram ahead of his first Olympics 2024 match to post a series of images from moments he and Djokovic have shared over the years.
And he wrote: “Rivals, doubles partners, friends, and lovers? Thanks for the 25 years of competition, @djokernole, and good luck for the rest of your career.”
The Briton accompanied the word “lovers” with a note to “see slide 3”, with the third slide showing a picture of the two players close to each other.
And Djokovic wrote on his own Instagram story: “Andy, I loved playing against you, playing doubles together and sharing some great memories as friends.
“I will ‘pass’ on being lover. I hope you understand. What an amazing career, legendary. Thank you for inspiring all of us players and many people all over the world.”
Djokovic won his first singles match at the Paris Games after thrashing Australian star Matthew Ebden 6-0, 6-1 in the singles. Murray, meanwhile, is set to team up with Dan Evans on Sunday, with the British duo taking on Japanese pair Taro Daniel and Kei Nishikori.
Murray told the Wimbledon crown in early July: “It is hard, because I would love to keep playing but I can’t. Physically it’s just too tough now. All of the injuries have added up and like I said they haven’t been insignificant.
He then told his social media followers ahead of the Games: “Arrived in Paris for my last ever tennis tournament @Olympics Competing for (Team GB). Have been by far the most memorable weeks of my career and I’m extremely proud to do it one final time!”
And discussing Murray’s retirement at a press conference in the French capital, Djokovic said: “I hope that he will have the best possible farewell on his last competitive match here in the Olympics for him and his country. He has been a legend. He is a legend of our sport. He has been an incredibly important player for tennis, globally.
