Gael Monfils explains how he felt after hearing Novak Djokovic had hired Andy Murray as his new coach

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Gael Monfils shared his thoughts on the announcement of Andy Murray as Novak Djokovic’s coach.

The Frenchman has been on the tour with both Grand Slam winners for a number of years and played against them on multiple occasions.

Gael Monfils has beaten Murray just twice in six meetings, while he has lost all 19 of his battles against Djokovic.

But if Monfils has to play against Djokovic for a 20th time, he will likely have Murray in his box which will be a daunting sight for each of the Serbian’s opponents next season.

What did Gael Monfils say about Andy Murray coaching Novak Djokovic?

Andy Murray is the latest high-profile player to go into coaching and his first assignment in today’s game does not get any bigger than issuing guidance to Novak Djokovic.

Murray is set to coach Djokovic until at least until the end of the Australian Open, an event Djokovic is looking to win for an 11th time.

The 37-year-old thinks having Murray, who retired from tennis at the Olympics in August, in his corner will help provide him with an edge over his opponents.

While Monfils thinks having Murray coach Djokovic is great for tennis, he is concerned about his chances of beating the Olympic champion, which he is still trying to achieve for the first time.

“I was happy because Andy loves the game and the sport. Of course, he wants to be back in the sport somehow and help,” Monfils told the Tennis Weekly Podcast.

“Now for him to help a player, one of his biggest rivals, is great for the sport and great for him. It’s great Novak thought about him.

“I think for sure [it might be tougher]. For me it’s already tough, I have never beaten him! I don’t even think to win the next one with Andy.” 

Does Gael Monfils want to go into coaching after he stops playing tennis?

Monfils has played professional tennis for two decades and now aged 38, he still has the passion and fitness for the game to keep playing at a high level.

Throughout his career he has developed a legacy as one of the most entertaining and beloved players that crowds love to watch play.

But when Monfils decides to stop playing tennis he has ruled out coaching and plans to enter a completely different field.

“It’s not in my plans to be a coach,” Monfils told Tennis365. “When I stop I want to work in the financial world in a bank. That’s what I want to do.”