Novak Djokovic insisted he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Andy Murray launches a playing comeback.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to come back again. He’s an incredible competitor. Novak Djokovic
Former world No.1 Murray, 37, competing with a metal hip, has suggested he will retire this summer after the Wimbledon and the Olympics.
The twice All England champion became the only home player to defeat Djokovic in a major when he beat the Serbian in the 2013 All England final to become the first Brit to do so in 77 years.
And the Scot superstar is making his final farewell to the tournament he first played in 2005.
After pulling out of the singles having had a back operation just ten days earlier, he lost in the men’s doubles with brother Jamie, and will partner Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles to bring the curtain down on his career in The Championships.
And his entry as part of Britain’s Paris Games team was confirmed on Thursday.
But Djokovic, a week Murray’s junior and chasing a record-equalling eighth singles title at the All England Club, said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he decides to come back again. He’s an incredible competitor.
“Resilience that you can definitely study and teach young athletes.”
The second seed, who has won a record 24 Grand Slams, added: “The first time I met Andy, I was 12. We go a very long way back.
“We were never too close on the tour because it’s difficult, you’re rivals. We always had tremendous respect for each other, shared the stage, so to say, for many, many years. I think there is only maybe one week difference in age. Our trajectory to the professional tour and top of the men’s game is pretty similar. I mean, not much was separating our careers.
“We played some incredible matches all over the world, finals of different Grand Slams. All Grand Slams actually.
“I played him in finals of all Grand Slams. Maybe the only one I’ve done that with. He is definitely one of the three guys, other than Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal that really has impacted my career and my growth as a tennis player a lot.
“So if this is his last match, obviously it is sad that he’s not able to finish in his own terms in singles.”
Djokovic, who had a recent knee operation, takes on Australian Alexei Popyrin, whom Murray beat at Queen’s, in the third round on Saturday.
