"First time we played each other, he kicked my a**": Novak Djokovic hails Andy Murray for incredible 2023 resurgence, calls Brit a 'champion, fighter'

Novak Djokovic lavished praise on Andy Murray for all the moments of magic he has produced in 2023 so far, hailing the Brit for displaying mental toughness at this stage in his career.

Murray put together a good run at the Australian Open, winning back-to-back five-setters, including the longest match of his career, before falling in the third round. He then made his way to the final of the Qatar Open.

Although the three-time Grand Slam champion succumbed to Daniil Medvedev in the summit clash in Doha, it was a tournament to remember for Murray. He saved multiple match points against both Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka enroute to the final.

At his pre-tournament press conference, Novak Djokovic touched on the former World No. 1's incredible resurgence ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Djokovic could take on Andy Murray in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The Serb recalled meeting Murray back when they were both 11-12 years old, fondly remembering that the 35-year-old "kicked his a**" at the time.

"It's not guaranteed that we're going to meet, but... Off the court we meet, but on the court we both need to win two matches. I mean, huge respect to him," he said. "

"Andy and I go back a long time, I think since we were 11 or 12 years old. That's the first time we met, first time we played against each other. He kicked my a** - sorry for my language - at that time. Ever since then we kind of followed each other on the journey to become professional players."

The World No. 1 went on to declare that the three-time Grand Slam champion had "so much talent" and a mentality that is reminiscent of a champion and a fighter.

"We didn't have much separation in terms of results, in terms of time. Maybe I broke through to the top five earlier than he did, but we were very close always," Djokovic said. "He's got so much talent, incredible grit, incredible mentality of a champion, of a fighter."

Djokovic further added that he had nothing but admiration for all the grit Murray has displayed over the last couple of months, especially considering his hip surgery.

"What is happening now this year with his match points saved in literally every match he plays, the amount of hours he spent on the court since the beginning of the year, particularly in Australia, is just something you must admire and say 'Chapeau' because of everything he has gone through with his hip," he said.

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"I'm very happy for him because he's a great guy, respects the sport, works very, very hard" - Novak Djokovic on Andy Murray

2016 French Open - Day Fifteen

Novak Djokovic also pointed out how Andy Murray constantly looks to improve himself in his attempt to get back to the highest level. He marveled at how Murray's level keeps getting "better and better."

The 35-year-old went on to add that he was "very happy" for the three-time Grand Slam champion. He also stated that the Brit was a great guy who respected the sport and worked harder than most others on tour.

"You have to note that he has an artificial hip and he's moving the way he does. He's constantly looking to improve and to get back to the highest level, which it seems like he's been doing. He's just rising in the rankings," Djokovic said.

"The level is better and better. Yeah, I'm very happy for him because he's a great guy, respects the sport, works very, very hard. So very committed, he deserves his success."

Andy Murray will open his Dubai campaign against Hubert Hurkacz, while Djokovic will take on Tomas Machac in his first-round clash.