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Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind heated Andy Murray celebration
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Novak Djokovic said he chose to turn to Andy Murray after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open as a “gesture of appreciation” for his coach.
Djokovic defied an upper leg injury to defeat Alcaraz in four sets in a battle the 10-time champion described as one of the fiercest he has fought in Melbourne.
After winning match point at nearly 1am, Djokovic turned to his coaching box and roared directly at Murray before shaking hands with Alcaraz at the net.
Djokovic appointed former rival Murray as his coach for the Australian Open and this was the partnership’s most significant moment yet.
Djokovic and Murray also hugged on the Rod Laver Arena as the 37-year-old took a step closer to winning a record 25th grand slam title this month.
“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day,” Djokovic said after the 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 win. “We face challenges every single day. People don’t see that obviously.
“We try to make the most out of every day and grow together. He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be.
“So it was kind of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the fact that he’s out there, and he doesn’t need to be.
“He accepted to work with me. He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work. This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself.”
Novak Djokovic hugged Andy Murray after his win over Carlos Alcaraz (AP) Meanwhile, Djokovic admitted he is “concerned” by his left leg injury as attention now turns to Friday’s Australian Open semi-final against second seed Alexander Zverev.
He was forced to take a medical timeout towards the end of the first set and admitted he may have quit had he not won the second set, before the painkillers started to work.
“I have to assess the situation tomorrow when I wake up,” Djokovic said. “I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team, with my physio today, tomorrow, the next few days. Probably skip training tomorrow.
“I’ll see if I’m going to train in two days or not. I’ll take it day by day. Now it’s really about recovery.
“I’m concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I’m as motivated as I can be.
Djokovic left the court for a medical timeout (Getty Images) “This match drains both players. Almost three and a half, four hours of incredible battle, of high intensity, of course it has its toll.
“At the same time I think it has more toll on the physical side rather than mental and emotional. Actually it feels like you’re feeding off this kind of win.
“That’s how I feel now. I hope to be able physically to be moving freely and to be able to be ready to play five sets.”
Novak Djokovic reveals meaning behind heated Andy Murray celebrationIn a recent interview, Novak Djokovic opened up about the fiery celebration that followed his victory over Andy Murray in the Australian Open final. Many fans and commentators were puzzled by Djokovic’s intense reaction, which included screaming and pointing at his box.
Djokovic explained that the celebration was a release of pent-up emotions and frustrations that had been building throughout the match. He admitted that Murray had pushed him to his limits and that he was feeling the pressure of defending his title.
“I have so much respect for Andy and what he brings to the court,” Djokovic said. “But in that moment, I was just so overwhelmed with emotion. It was a combination of relief, joy, and adrenaline that came pouring out of me.”
Djokovic also revealed that the celebration was a tribute to his team, who had supported him through thick and thin. “I wanted to show them how much their belief in me means,” he said. “They are my rock, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Overall, Djokovic’s passionate celebration was a testament to the intensity and competitiveness of professional tennis. It was a raw, unfiltered display of emotion that showcased the mental and physical toll that top-level athletes endure in pursuit of greatness.
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Australian Open 2025: Inside Novak Djokovic’s partnership with coach Andy Murray
While Djokovic has not practised at Melbourne Park since beating Alcaraz, there have been plenty of chances over the fortnight to see how the team dynamic works.
During a warm-up hit with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley before the quarter-final, Murray watched every movement intently from behind the baseline.
When the session wrapped up, Djokovic embraced Murray before the pair – to the delight of the several hundred watching – had a quick knock on court.
A couple of gentle rallies ended when Djokovic, rather brutally given Murray’s fitness issues, brought out a drop-shot which the Scot dutifully chased down.
Then it was back to collecting Djokovic’s racquets and taking them to the stringer.
“When I saw Andy walking through the corridors with all Novak’s racquets, taking them to the stringer, you could see he is taking this job very seriously,” Australian former world number four Sam Stosur told Channel Nine.
Djokovic’s pre-tournament practice sessions against Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Arthur Fils offered more insight.
Standing close behind Djokovic and sometimes in the doubles alley, Murray constantly offered feedback, shouted praise after winners and made notes.
He also compared observations with Boris Bosnjakovic, who ran Djokovic’s training centre in Belgrade before becoming part of the team last May after long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic left.
“It’s about making small changes to things and trying to help him and improve with the whole team,” Murray said.
The Australian Open 2025 is already shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with all eyes on Novak Djokovic and his new partnership with coach Andy Murray.Djokovic, who has already cemented his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, surprised fans and analysts alike when he announced that he would be teaming up with Murray, a fellow Grand Slam champion and former world number one.
The partnership between Djokovic and Murray is a fascinating development in the world of tennis coaching. Both players have had incredible success on the court, but they also share a deep mutual respect and understanding of each other’s games.
Murray, known for his tactical prowess and mental toughness, will no doubt bring a fresh perspective and valuable insights to Djokovic’s game. Together, they will work to fine-tune Djokovic’s already formidable skills and strategies, with the goal of reaching even greater heights in the sport.
As the Australian Open approaches, all eyes will be on Djokovic and Murray as they make their debut as a coaching team. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how their partnership unfolds on the court, and whether it will lead Djokovic to yet another Grand Slam victory.
Stay tuned for more updates on Djokovic and Murray’s partnership at the Australian Open 2025. It’s sure to be a thrilling ride for all tennis fans!
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Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, tennis partnership, coaching collaboration, Grand Slam champions, sports news, player insights, professional athletes, player development, mentorship in sports, competition analysis, tennis strategy, championship journey.
#Australian #Open #Novak #Djokovics #partnership #coach #Andy #MurrayKeegan Murray on how Sacramento has been “righting the ship”
Keegan Murray joined The Allen Stiles Show after Tuesday’s practice to break down how the Sacramento Kings are “righting the ship” under interim head coach Doug Christie.
Since he took over for Mike Brown, the Kings are 9-2, climbing to 8th in the Western Conference.
“(Christie’s) obviously been a Sacramento King before, playing at Arco, and he knows how loud it can get, how fun it can be to play at home, and how troubling it can be for opposing teams to play there,” Keegan Murray said.
Sacramento’s 123-100 home win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, they improved to 12-12 after their unideal start hosting teams in Golden 1 Center.
“He knows that before he started coaching, we weren’t great at home, and he’s just righted the ship with our intensity, our focus at home to win games, get the crowd into it.”
Murray currently averages 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 42.1 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from three on 5.7 attempts per game. While it’s a career-low in points and conversion rate, he’s been shining since returning from a few days off to let an ankle injury (which he had been playing through) fully heal.
“I feel like I’m playing at a high level,” Murray told Stiles. “Obviously, statistically, the three-point shot isn’t falling, but everything else I’m playing at a high level. When (the shot) comes it comes, and [I’m] just continuing to work at it.”
The Kings are hoping to continue their climb up the Western Conference standings, with Wednesday’s home matchup against the Golden State Warriors next on their schedule. Extremely familiar with the other NorCal team, Murray looks forward to the matchup.
“There’s always juice when we play them just because we’re so close in miles apart and obviously the playoff series, the play-in. We’ve seen them each year in the postseason, so I feel like there’s really good competition and things like that. I’m sure people call it a rivalry, but we know it’s a tough game every single we play them. It’s always a good game, so we’re excited to get after it tomorrow.”
It’ll be Sacramento’s chance to get back above .500 in Golden 1 Center.
More Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
DeMar DeRozan is a certified bucket. There’s no denying that and no greater proof exists than his status as top-30 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and climbing.
With his made-field goal in the final seconds of the second quarter against the Washington Wizards, he surpassed Allen Iverson for 29th.
DeRozan ended the night with 24 points, taking his career total to 24,379 points compared to Iverson’s 24,368.
The only other active players ranking higher are Stephen Curry (24,446 – 28th), Russell Westbrook (25,760 – 21st), James Harden (26,738), Kevin Durant (29,796 – 8th), and LeBron James (41,355 – 1st).
Read more:
DeMar DeRozan passes Allen Iverson on all-time scoring list (29th)
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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray reflects on team’s recent success, says they are “righting the ship”In a recent interview, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray opened up about the team’s recent success and how they have been able to “right the ship” after a slow start to the season.
Murray, who has been a key player for the Kings this season, credited the team’s improved chemistry and communication for their turnaround. He also highlighted the impact of new head coach Alvin Gentry, who has helped instill a winning mentality in the team.
“We had a bit of a rough start to the season, but we’ve really come together as a team and started playing some great basketball,” Murray said. “Coach Gentry has been instrumental in helping us turn things around and we’re all buying into his system.”
The Kings recently went on a winning streak, notching impressive victories over top teams in the league. Murray emphasized the importance of maintaining this level of play and continuing to build on their success.
“We know we have the talent to compete with anyone in this league, and we’re showing that on the court,” Murray said. “We just need to stay focused, keep working hard, and continue to trust each other.”
As the Kings look to make a push for the playoffs, Murray expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete at a high level and make a run in the postseason.
“We’re a hungry and determined group of guys, and we’re ready to take on whatever challenges come our way,” Murray said. “I believe in this team and I know we have what it takes to make some noise in the playoffs.”
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#Keegan #Murray #Sacramento #righting #ship
Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic ‘grateful’ for coach Andy Murray after beating Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne
First came a visceral roar. Then a tender hug.
Novak Djokovic’s emotions poured out after securing an Australian Open quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz that made a mockery of predictions, logic and expectation.
Exuding joy and relief, Djokovic turned straight to his coach Andy Murray and buried his head in the Briton’s chest.
The celebration between the rivals-turned-colleagues came following the biggest success of Murray’s shock first coaching job.
“It was kind of a gesture of appreciation and respect for him for the fact that he’s out there and he doesn’t need to be,” said 37-year-old Djokovic, who was born a week after Murray in May 1987.
“He accepted to work with me. He’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work.”
When 24-time major champion Djokovic announced in November he was employing the recently retired Murray as his new coach, it felt like a prank.
But there is nothing more serious for both men than winning tennis matches.
Murray has regularly cut a tense figure during Djokovic’s run at Melbourne Park, appearing deep in thought about how he can help the seventh seed land a record 25th Grand Slam title.
His relief at the Serb edging past Alcaraz, 21, showed with a heavy exhale of breath.
Then came the moment when Djokovic, who had battled through an upper left leg injury to beat Spanish third seed Alcaraz, trudged over to hug his fist-pumping coach.
“This was a huge win for all of us – including Andy and myself for the relationship,” added Djokovic.
“That’s why I went to him because I felt very grateful that he’s there.”
In an epic showdown at the Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic emerged victorious over young sensation Carlos Alcaraz, and he had his coach Andy Murray to thank for his success.After the thrilling match that had fans on the edge of their seats, Djokovic expressed his gratitude for Murray’s guidance and support throughout the tournament. The two-time Grand Slam champion has been instrumental in helping Djokovic stay focused and motivated on his quest for another Australian Open title.
Djokovic’s win over Alcaraz was a testament to his incredible skill and determination on the court. The Serbian superstar showcased his trademark resilience and mental toughness to overcome the talented Spaniard in a hard-fought battle.
With this victory, Djokovic continues to solidify his status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. And with Murray by his side, there’s no telling how many more Grand Slam titles the duo can achieve together.
As Djokovic celebrates his latest triumph in Melbourne, he knows he couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of his coach Andy Murray. The bond between player and coach is stronger than ever, and the future looks bright for this dynamic duo.
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#Australian #Open #Novak #Djokovic #grateful #coach #Andy #Murray #beating #Carlos #Alcaraz #Melbourne
Can analytics help Andy Murray coach Novak Djokovic to Australian Open victory over Carlos Alcaraz?
“Novak’s been a player who has been at the leading edge of analytics for years and years,” said Davenport. “He’s been there with Murray going over this. He’s always going to hire someone who also goes all into the data. I can see these two having a lot of conversations about patterns, where to hit second shots, where to hit particular shots.
“But also, if something didn’t work in the first set, and we’ve got to pivot here, Murray will be pretty good with coming up with that game plan.”
Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest man to win the Career Grand Slam, having already captured major titles at the US Open (2022), Wimbledon (2023-2024), and Roland Garros (2024), defeating Djokovic in the last two Wimbledon finals to help launch him into the top tier of men’s tennis.
But Djokovic, 16 years older than his 21-year-old rival, is on course to win a 25th major title—and his 11th in Melbourne. The Serb appears invigorated by the Murray partnership, winning his third- and fourth- round matches in straight sets against seeded opposition: No. 26 seed Tomas Machac and No. 24 seed Jiri Lehecka.
As we gear up for the highly anticipated Australian Open final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, many are wondering if Andy Murray’s expertise in analytics could give Djokovic the edge he needs to secure yet another Grand Slam victory.Murray, known for his meticulous approach to the game and deep understanding of statistics and data, could potentially provide Djokovic with valuable insights and strategic advice to outplay his young and talented opponent.
By analyzing Djokovic’s previous matches, studying Alcaraz’s playing style, and identifying key patterns and weaknesses, Murray could help Djokovic develop a winning game plan tailored specifically for this final showdown.
With Murray’s guidance and expertise, Djokovic could have a significant advantage over Alcaraz and increase his chances of clinching the Australian Open title once again.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and strategic final match, where analytics could play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
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- Australian Open
- Andy Murray
- Novak Djokovic
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Tennis analytics
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#analytics #Andy #Murray #coach #Novak #Djokovic #Australian #Open #victory #Carlos #Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic and new coach Andy Murray plot the downfall of Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open quarter-final | Tennis News
Novak Djokovic resumes his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Tuesday in a clash of two tennis generations.
Djokovic is arguably the sport’s greatest of all time, playing in pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Meanwhile Alcaraz is at the forefront of tennis’ new wave of rising stars. He is still only 21 years old, but has already won Wimbledon twice as well as the French Open and US Open.
The Australian Open is the only major title outside of Alcaraz’s collection and he is seeking to complete his career Grand Slam this year in Melbourne.
If he manages to do so, he would be the younger player ever to accomplish the feat.
This quarter-final will take place from 9.30am on Tuesday, which you can follow in the live blog on the Sky Sports website and app.
Alcaraz won a memorable Wimbledon final against Djokovic in 2023, prevailing in a five-set thriller. The Spaniard dominated Djokovic to win the Wimbledon final again last year.
But Djokovic was victorious in their last encounter, when he beat Alcaraz at Roland Garros in an emotional Olympic final last summer to secure his first gold medal.
Djokovic is playing with a point to prove at the Australian Open
Sky Sports Tennis commentator Jonathan Overend said this quarter-final is “worthy of a final, worthy of any final, and yet here they are playing in the last eight”.
“They’ve had so many great battles in the past, notably the Wimbledon final from two years ago, the Cincinnati final from that summer as well was quite incredible and of course the Olympic final from 2024 on the clay of Roland Garros, which was in many people’s eyes was the match of last season,” Overend continued.
“It was an unbelievable level achieved by these two. The shot-making, the defensive ability, the movement of both of these guys – never in doubt – and the emotion at the end with Djokovic in tears having completed the Golden Slam and Alcaraz in tears because he came so close to winning that gold medal for Spain.
“If we get anywhere close to a repeat of the standard of tennis that day in this match, then we’re in for a Melbourne treat.”
‘I know my weapons’
Alcaraz crushed an out-of-sorts Djokovic to retain his Wimbledon title last summer
It will be the earliest stage at which they’ve crossed paths in a major.
“This is not the right player to play in a quarter-final, I guess,” Alcaraz said.
“Being in a quarter-final, I’m going to approach the match the same as I did in the previous matches against him, and let’s see.
“I know my weapons. I know that I’m able to play good tennis against him, I’m able to beat him.”
Djokovic said of Alcaraz: “He’s a very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented and charismatic. He’s great to watch but not that great to play against.
“I’m expecting a big battle, as is the case in most of our matches when we’ve faced each other.”
Djokovic says he is relishing his new rivalry with Alcaraz, and hopes it will continue for many years to come…
Murray vs Ferrero: Battle of the coaches
A look at every Masters final on the ATP Tour between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has a new source of guidance for this competition, having hired retired superstar Andy Murray as his new coach.
Alcaraz’s coach is Juan Carlos Ferrero, another former world No 1.
And Sky Sports Tennis’ Overend said: “Murray actually beat Ferrero three times and all of them in 2009, including at Wimbledon that year.
“Two very astute readers of the game and we know the excellent work Ferrero has done with Alcaraz over several years, but we’re already seeing Murray’s impact on Djokovic.
“The potential for this great short-term coaching arrangement is there for all to see and Murray will absolutely relish the opportunity of plotting Alcaraz’s downfall. I suppose the big question is, is whether he tries to tinker with anything in particular.
“What Murray might be able to bring is a couple of subtle tweaks, potentially to the counter-attacking game of Djokovic.
“We know how good he is, but could he see a few gaps in the Alcaraz backline to try to take the initiative in rallies and to stop the Spaniard getting on top of the points.”
Murray joked that he’s hoping to sabotage Djokovic’s chances of winning another Australian Open
The Alcaraz serve
Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to win his maiden Australian Open title
The Spaniard is 16 years younger than Djokovic so age is on his side but last season his play was somewhat erratic and he is in the process of remodelling his serve.
“This is the first time they’ve met since Alcaraz has tweaked his serve,” said Overend.
“Already we’ve seen an increase in speed, an increase in potency, the changes they’ve made in the off-season have been quite noticeable in the action. Any jerkiness that we previously saw from Carlos has gone, it’s a much smoother motion now. He seems to be able to generate that ‘pop’ with it.
“It all seems to be coming together for him, but will that be as effective? That slight increase in potency against the greatest returner, against Djokovic.
“I think Djokovic is too good a returner for it to make any particular difference.”
Djokovic to win record-breaking 25th Grand Slam?
Sky Sports Tennis’ Jonathan Overend speaks on Djokovic’s decision to bring Murray onto his team
“I believe Djokovic has got it in him to win and logic suggests that his best chance is this next chance at this Australian Open, then you add the element of Andy Murray and his coaching corner,” said Sky Sports Tennis’ Overend.
“This is the opportunity for Djokovic to break the record. He’s three matches away from doing it.
“Potentially he’s going to have to beat Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Jannik Sinner in successive matches which is going to be enormously tough but having gone for him from the start and having that mic-drop moment of making 25 Grand Slams and who knows? Maybe even retiring on the spot should he win the trophy.
“I’m going to have to go for Djokovic to repeat his Paris achievement and beat Alcaraz once more.”
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NOW and through the Sky Sports app.
Novak Djokovic and new coach Andy Murray plot the downfall of Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open quarter-finalIn a highly anticipated match-up at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic and his new coach Andy Murray are set to take on the rising star Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final. Djokovic, the defending champion and world number one, will be looking to continue his dominant form and secure a spot in the semi-finals.
With Murray joining Djokovic’s coaching team ahead of the tournament, the duo have been working hard to strategize and prepare for their upcoming matches. The addition of the former world number one has added a new dimension to Djokovic’s game, and the two are confident in their ability to overcome any challenges that come their way.
On the other side of the net, Carlos Alcaraz is a young and talented player who has been making waves in the tennis world. The 18-year-old Spaniard has already defeated some top players in the tournament and is eager to prove himself against the best in the world.
As Djokovic and Murray plot their tactics to take down Alcaraz, fans can expect a thrilling and intense match on the court. With Djokovic’s experience and Murray’s expertise, the duo will be a formidable force to reckon with.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting showdown as Djokovic and Murray face off against Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-final. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.
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Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open, quarter-final, tennis news, new coach, downfall, plot, strategy, match preview, player analysis
#Novak #Djokovic #coach #Andy #Murray #plot #downfall #Carlos #Alcaraz #Australian #Open #quarterfinal #Tennis #NewsAustralian Open 2025 | Jakub Mensik upsets Casper Ruud on Margaret Court Arena; Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray feat equalled as two teens defeat top 10 stars
Teen prodigy Jakub Mensik has caused a massive upset, defeating world No.6 Casper Ruud in the second round of the Australian Open.
Playing on Margaret Court Arena, Mensik was clinical with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory.
The 19-year-old’s triumph came on the same court that Joao Fonseca defeated Andrey Rublev the night before as two top-10 males stars were sent packing.
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As Mensik pushed his way to a 6-1 win in the third set, former Australian tennis player John Fitzgerald delivered high praise to the Czech youngster.
“At times we all get ahead of ourselves but this kid to me looks like he could be a future grand slam champion. He’s a serious player,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
Jakub Mensik celebrates his victory. Getty
With the score sitting at 3-3 in the fourth set, Mensik made his move by breaking the serve of Ruud to lead 4-3. He then stayed composed to win the set 6-4.
Mensik raised both hands in the air after the win as the crowd roared in appreciation.
“He’s here to stay … what a game he has, it’s a frightening game,” Fitzgerald said.
“I just love seeing young players play, it warms my heart … it’s just enlightening for me to see them come.”
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The result makes it the first time since 2006 that two teenage players have beaten top 10 players at a major. Those two back then were Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Mensik’s win against Ruud also makes it his fifth win against top 10 players.
The world No.48 was modest when revealing his secret behind such success.
“I’m just happy I have the opportunity to play against these players and am trying to enjoy every moment on the court. When I’m enjoying myself on the court, that’s the key and when I’m playing my best tennis,” Mensik said post-match.
In a stunning upset at the Australian Open 2025, rising star Jakub Mensik shocked the tennis world by defeating world number 5 Casper Ruud on Margaret Court Arena. The young Czech player showed incredible poise and skill as he took down the higher-ranked opponent in a thrilling match that had fans on the edge of their seats.But Mensik wasn’t the only teenager making waves at this year’s tournament. In a remarkable feat, two other young players managed to defeat top 10 stars, echoing the historic moment when Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray burst onto the scene and took down established players early in their careers.
The Australian Open 2025 has proven to be a showcase of the next generation of tennis talent, with these young players proving that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on Mensik and his fellow teenage stars as they look to continue their impressive run and make a name for themselves on the international stage.
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Australian Open 2025, Jakub Mensik, Casper Ruud, Margaret Court Arena, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, teens, top 10 stars, upset, tennis, Grand Slam, Melbourne, Australia
#Australian #Open #Jakub #Mensik #upsets #Casper #Ruud #Margaret #Court #Arena #Novak #Djokovic #Andy #Murray #feat #equalled #teens #defeat #top #stars
The Pelicans are right not to shop Dejounte Murray ahead of trade deadline
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team in disarray. After a horrid start to the 2024-25 NBA season marred by significant injuries to their entire core, the organization has settled on a new direction for their franchise: a complete teardown and reboot of their roster.
The team has reportedly made nearly all of their players available for trade outside of a few designated young prospects that they wish to keep around for the future: Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, rookie phenom Yves Missi, and second-year guard Jordan Hawkins, the last of which is a new inclusion to their list of untouchables.
There’s a marked difference between a player being available in trade talks versus a team actively shopping their athletes though. While New Orleans is listening to offers for the majority of their roster, only a few players are being actively marketed to other teams, namely Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, who originally reported that Zion, BI, and CJ were being shopped by the Pels, made a notable distinction that the team was not looking to move Dejounte Murray, which is the right move at this current juncture.
The Pelicans should not be looking to trade Dejounte Murray this season
Dejounte Murray has played for three different teams in the past three seasons. Two years ago, he was still suiting up for the San Antonio Spurs, his home from the inception of his NBA career. Then, the Atlanta Hawks acquired him in a blockbuster trade that saw them send the Spurs Danilo Gallinari, three first-round picks, and a potential first-round pick swap in 2026 in exchange for DJM and Jock Landale.
Things didn’t work out in Atlanta as they envisioned, as the Hawks with their new star backcourt consisting of Trae Young alongside Murray barely made the Play-In Tournament and were promptly eliminated from the postseason without making the playoffs. Dejounte had a bit of a disappointing season in Atlanta, especially on the defensive end of the court, and his trade stock tanked as a result.
That following summer, the Pelicans were able to trade for him in return for Dyson Daniels, E.J. Liddell, Cody Zeller, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round selections, a significantly lesser package compared to what the Hawks had to give up to acquire him in the first place.
Before he could even get started, it appeared that Dejounte’s time in the Big Easy would be coming to an end. In his very first game for the Pels, Murray fractured his left hand and would go on to miss several weeks, forced to watch New Orleans slide to the bottom of the Western Conference standings from the sidelines. Now, with the team looking to rebuild, Murray’s — a 28-year-old borderline All-Star — future is up in the air once again.
It’s only natural that the team would be looking to move on from him considering that he wouldn’t fit the Pelicans’ new timeline after their teardown. However, that doesn’t mean that they need to trade him this season.
So far, Murray’s having his worst season since 2020-21. Over a third of the way into the year, he’s averaging just 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists on just 36 percent shooting from the field and 27 percent marks from deep in 13 games played.
The hope is that his efficiency has been significantly impacted by his injury and the subsequent rehabilitation and that he’ll return to form over time. With just a few weeks until the trade deadline, it would be a tall ask to expect him to regain his All-Star numbers by then. Essentially, Dejounte Murray’s trade stock could be at an all-time low right now.
Rather than move him for the sake of making a deal in return for pennies on the dollar, the Pelicans should exercise patience in this case. He’ll still have two years left on his contract and an additional player option after this season. New Orleans has plenty of time to find a suitable return for him.
Keeping him around could slightly worsen their chances at a top draft pick this summer, but it doesn’t seem like the Pelicans need to worry about that too much considering their current standing and his performance so far. Plus, keeping around an experienced, talented two-way point guard could aid the developments of Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Yves Missi, Jordan Hawkins, and any other young players the Pelicans will look to build around.
The Pelicans made headlines recently when they announced that they would not be shopping Dejounte Murray ahead of the trade deadline. Many fans and analysts were surprised by this decision, as Murray has been one of the team’s most promising young players.However, upon closer inspection, it’s clear that the Pelicans are making the right move by holding onto Murray. Despite a slow start to the season, Murray has shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to be a key piece of the team’s future success.
Murray’s defensive prowess, ball-handling skills, and court vision make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and facilitate the Pelicans’ offense make him a crucial piece of their game plan.
Additionally, Murray’s youth and potential for growth make him an attractive long-term investment for the Pelicans. By keeping him on the roster, the team can continue to develop his skills and build around him for the future.
Overall, the Pelicans’ decision to hold onto Dejounte Murray is a smart one. By recognizing his potential and importance to the team, they are setting themselves up for success in the long run.
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Dejounte Murray is having his worst season ever, what can the Pelicans do?
The New Orleans Pelicans’ season is unraveling, and fans have every right to be frustrated. The Pels reside at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with the league’s second-worst record and have lost eight games in a row. This was not the campaign anyone would have envisioned coming off a 49-win campaign. Optimism was even higher after the Pelicans traded for former All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, but injuries, inconsistency, and chemistry issues have led to a growing sense of uncertainty.
Murray is at the heart of these struggles, and his underwhelming performance has left fans and analysts questioning his fit with this roster. What’s going wrong, and what should the Pelicans do next?
Murray’s Rocky Start
When the Pelicans gave up Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance Jr., and two first-round picks to acquire Murray, expectations soared. But after missing 17 games with a broken hand suffered in the season opener, his return has been anything but smooth.
Since rejoining the lineup on Nov. 27, Murray is averaging 16.5 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game. In most seasons, the Pelicans would welcome that type of production, but Murray’s numbers are marred by inefficiency and career-low metrics. His 27.6% three-point shooting, 36.4% field goal percentage, and 41.0% effective field goal percentage (eFG%) are all personal worsts. So are his career-high 2.4 fouls per game and 3.9 turnovers per game; an unacceptable combination for any lead guard.
His on/off-court stats paint a grim picture, highlighting just how poor Murray’s play has been. The Pelicans are 6.5 points worse per 100 possessions offensively with Murray on the court and 7.1 points worse defensively when he’s out there. Murray, instead of setting the table for his teammates, has taken a lot off of it on both ends of the floor.
The Lineup Problem
Murray’s struggles also show in the team’s lineup efficiency. Over the past five games, the Pelicans’ best offensive three-man groups—like those featuring Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Yves Missi—don’t include Murray at all. Meanwhile, Murray is prominently featured in the worst-performing lineups, particularly in combinations involving Yves Missi and Brandon Boston.
On defense, Murray’s inclusion doesn’t fare much better. Of the Pelicans’ five worst three-man defensive lineups, Murray is part of every single one. His inability to mesh with the roster has created serious concerns about his role and impact on this team.
He hasn’t shown enough evidence of being the leader on the court or in the locker room the franchise needs. Dejounte Murray has played slow, undisciplined basketball, and by the numbers has been the worst starter this season.
Why Trading Murray Isn’t the Solution (Yet)
There’s been speculation that the Pelicans could move Murray before the trade deadline. However, selling low on him would be a massive gamble. Murray’s value has plummeted since the trade, and finding a team willing to match what the Pelicans gave up will be nearly impossible.
Even contenders looking for a guard—like the Los Angeles Lakers—are unlikely to offer significant assets. Reports suggest that teams like the Lakers and Orlando Magic might inquire about his availability, however, it’s doubtful any package would come close to the return the Pelicans initially invested this past summer.
David Griffin and the Pelicans’ front office have to be careful. It’s too early to pull the plug on the Murray experiment. The focus does need to shift to solving the Murray puzzle, and making him fit.
The Path Forward
For the Pelicans, the priority must be figuring out how to get the most out of their talented point guard. His struggles—whether due to the system, his role, or the lingering effects of injury—need to be addressed head-on.
The coaching staff must also find ways to mitigate Murray’s turnovers while unlocking his defensive potential. While his 2.7 combined steals and blocks per game suggest he can still be disruptive, the Pelicans need more consistency on that end of the floor. Opposing guards, like Fred Van Vleet who scored 25 points on Thursday night, have had their way against the Pelicans.
Pelicans fans deserve answers—and results. After years of waiting for the team to turn the corner, this season feels like a massive step backward. While Murray’s struggles are a glaring issue, the problems extend beyond just one player.
The Pelicans need to commit to solving the issues at hand, even if that means enduring growing pains.
Dejounte Murray shouldn’t be a lost cause. He’s an All-Star with a proven track record, and the Pelicans owe it to themselves—and their fans—to see if they can unlock the version of Murray they traded for. Whether that happens will define not just this season but the team’s trajectory moving forward.
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Dejounte Murray, the star guard for the San Antonio Spurs, is currently having his worst season ever. His shooting percentages have plummeted, his turnovers are up, and his overall impact on the court has been lackluster. With the New Orleans Pelicans in desperate need of a point guard to help lead their team, they may see this as an opportunity to make a move for Murray.The Pelicans could offer a trade package that includes some of their young assets and draft picks to entice the Spurs to part ways with Murray. This could give the Pelicans a much-needed boost in the backcourt and help solidify their roster for a playoff push.
Additionally, the Pelicans could look to bring in a veteran point guard to mentor Murray and help him get back on track. This could provide the team with some stability at the position while also giving Murray the support and guidance he needs to turn things around.
Ultimately, the Pelicans have a few options to consider in regards to Dejounte Murray’s struggles. Whether it’s making a trade for him or bringing in a veteran mentor, the Pelicans will need to act quickly to address their point guard situation and maximize their chances of success this season.
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NBA Analyst Gives New Grade For Hawks-Pelicans Blockbuster Dejounte Murray Trade
One of the biggest moves of the summer occured when the Atlanta Hawks sent guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans for a trade package that centered around Dyson Daniels, Larry Nance, and two first round picks, one of which was an unprotected pick from the Lakers in 2025. At the time, most analysts thought that the Pelicans won the trade and got the point guard that they needed to lead their team. Heading into January though, the Hawks have won the trade and it has not been particularly close. Now, some of that has been due to injury, as Murray has missed a lot of time due to an injury but the Hawks have reaped the rewards of having Daniels on their team.
When looking back at the trade in a recent article, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton shifted his tune on who won the trade:
“When I graded the Murray trade in late June, the assumption was it would be the first move in a series that would send Brandon Ingram elsewhere in exchange for frontcourt help. Instead, the Pelicans entered the season with Ingram in a walk year and a center duo of rookie Yves Missi and journeyman Daniel Theis.
New Orleans couldn’t have known that Murray (hand fracture) would be among a spate of early-season injuries that has left the Pelicans last in the West. Still, what New Orleans gave up looks much better six months later too.
I was curious to see this season whether the Pelicans were willing to trade Daniels with two first-round picks for Murray in part because they knew more about his potential than other teams. Apparently not. “The Great Barrier Thief” is a strong candidate for Most Improved Player at age 21, having more than doubled his scoring average to 13.0 PPG as a starter in Atlanta while leading the league with 3.1 steals per game. No player has averaged so many steals since John Stockton in 1988-89.”
ESPN’s Bobby Marks had this to say when wondering how the trade could shift to an A in the Pelians favor:
How to get an A this season: If this trade never happened
“It is easy to play Monday morning quarterback, and as Kevin pointed out, as nobody could have predicted the impact of Daniels in Atlanta plus New Orleans sitting at the bottom of the standings. The Murray trade is an illustration that one ill-fated move can turn a playoff team to one competing for the top pick in the draft. There are several layers on how the trade impacts New Orleans moving forward. First, New Orleans is $1.4 million over the luxury tax because of Murray’s trade bonus. The Pelicans have never paid the tax and will likely shed salary prior to the Feb. 6 deadline. Second, does Murray still fit into the rebuilding Pelicans’ plans that would include Ingram being traded? Murray has $65 million left on his contract after this season.”
While Daniels has been the main story from this trade (for good reason), Nance has been a very good depth piece when healthy and the Hawks will now have a first round pick thanks to the Lakers pick being unprotected. Atlanta is still without assets due to the original Murray trade, but they now have one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, one of the top backup options in the frontcourt, and a 1st round pick. The Hawks are by no means a perfect team, but this trade has given them a brighter future than they had before they made it.
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The recent blockbuster trade between the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Pelicans, which saw Dejounte Murray heading to the Hawks, has caught the attention of NBA analysts and fans alike. The trade, which also involved several other players and draft picks, has been met with mixed reactions from fans and experts.One NBA analyst, however, has given a new grade for the trade, taking into account the potential impact of Murray on the Hawks’ roster. According to the analyst, the addition of Murray to the Hawks’ backcourt could prove to be a game-changer for the team, as his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities could provide a significant boost to their playoff aspirations.
The analyst has given the trade a grade of A-, citing Murray’s potential to elevate the Hawks to the next level and make them a more formidable opponent in the Eastern Conference. While some may have initially questioned the trade, the analyst believes that Murray’s impact on the team could ultimately prove to be worth the assets that were given up in the deal.
As the NBA season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Murray integrates into the Hawks’ lineup and how his presence affects the team’s performance on the court. For now, it seems that the analyst is bullish on the potential of this trade and believes that it could be a game-changer for both the Hawks and the Pelicans.
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