Andy Murray enjoyed a long and hugely successful career, laden with silverware.
However, it’s also widely considered that, were it not for the presence of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer throughout his career, his trophy cabinet would look much fuller.
Alas, in retirement, he seems content with what he accomplished as a player, and happy to move on with the next chapter of his life.
But, in a recent interview with former England international cricketer Kevin Pietersen, Andy Murray was also more than happy to comb back through his career and discuss the intricacies of facing such legendary opposition like the Big Three.
Andy Murray on how his relationship was different with each of the Big Three
Speaking on his The Switch YouTube channel, the Scotsman offered a unique insight into his ever-changing relationship with each of them.
He began with his playing days: “So when I was playing against those guys, against Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, my relationship was kind of different with all of them.
“I never had dinner with any of them whilst I was playing. In my opinion, yeah, totally different relationship.
“Like, when I first started on the tour, I practised with Federer a lot, like, initially, and then he didn’t want to practice with me anymore.”
Murray then explained the hierarchy of a new player emerging onto the tour, and therefore explained why Federer acted as he did: “Normally, if you’re a top player and there’s, like a good junior that’s just coming on the scene, usually, like, you’re interested to practice with them to see what their game is like and stuff, and then, obviously, over time, that becomes, if the junior progresses, they then become I guess, like a rival or someone that you’re competing against.
“I used to practice with Djokovic and Nadal a lot.. You know, I enjoyed training with them in preparation for big events.
“Federer would never have practised when Nadal, never practised with Djokovic. Djokovic and Nadal were different in that respect, and they wanted to practice with one another or practice with their, I guess their nearest rivals, because, yeah, I mean, it is a bit mad.”
It seems strange to think that, despite being the fiercest of rivals as players, Murray then went on to coach Djokovic for a period.
However, Murray now seems to have settled as coach of Jack Draper, as he seeks to get him back fit enough for Wimbledon.
How Jamie Murray reacted to Jack Draper hiring Andy Murray as his coach
Whilst it was a potential partnership that many had mooted for a while, it felt like few genuinely believed that Murray would actually end up coaching Draper.
However, speaking to Sky Sports after it was announced, and the brother of the three-time major champion, Jamie, argued that it made perfect sense.
He claimed: “Experience of what it takes to prepare yourself for these events, and understanding what it takes to win these events, and also the pressure that goes with being the No 1 British player around and everything that entails.
“There’s no one better qualified to understand what Jack will be going through.
“I think it’s an exciting appointment. Jamie Delgado is a really good friend of mine but, ultimately, I think Jack is going to do what he thinks is best for his career and we hope it works out.
