Djokovic: I can relate to Murray's injury woe

Novak Djokovic's own troubles with injury enable him to relate to the pain Andy Murray is going through as the end of his illustrious playing career nears.

Murray announced on Friday that 2019 is likely to be his last on the ATP Tour due to the ongoing hip problems that have troubled him for the past 18 months.

The Briton even suggested the upcoming Australian Open could be his final tournament, although he hopes to bow out at his home grand slam – Wimbledon.

Djokovic struggled with an elbow injury in 2017 and missed the second half of that season to recuperate, giving him an insight into the torment Murray has had in recent times.

"As someone that has been through a major injury myself recently, I can probably relate a little bit to what he's going through," Djokovic told reporters.

.@rogerfederer shares his thoughts about @andy_murray retiring. "I was disappointed and sad, a little bit shocked, to know now that we're going to lose him at some point. But we're going to lose everybody at some point. It's just now that it's definite." #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/UdzSCNqPyv

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2019

"I think his injury of the hip is something certainly far worse than mine, my injury, because it's obviously something that he's been carrying for a while, for a couple of years.

"He's unable to, even after several surgeries, get back to the desired level. As an athlete, that's probably the biggest obstacle and enemy that you can have: an injury. That's something that takes away your ability to compete and to play the sport that you love.

"So it's sad for me, but for all sport, because Andy is a very respected and likable guy around the locker room.

"He's a great champion. He's a legend of this sport, without a doubt, multiple grand slam winner, two golds from Olympic Games, Davis Cup. He's had it all.

"Yeah, I mean, it's really hard to see him going through those emotions, as well, on the court and off the court. In front of you guys the other day... he touched us all definitely. I definitely wish him a painless future in whatever shape or form that is, on or off the court, as well."

.@CaroWozniacki on @andy_murray's retirement announcement. "I'm sad on behalf of Andy because Andy is so fun for me to watch. I think he's entertaining. He's such a great athlete. He stood up for us, too. I really appreciate what he's done for women's tennis." #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/jDVJ5EMMd3

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2019

Djokovic faced Murray in a practice match in Melbourne on Thursday – winning 6-1 4-1 – and he admitted his friend's problems were clear to see.

He added: "I did see, it was very obvious for everyone, you saw it, you didn't need to be on court to notice that he's struggling, that he's not moving as well as he normally does.

"We've seen so many years of Andy Murray being one of the fittest guys on the tour, running around the court, getting always an extra ball back.

"We played lots of epic matches on the professional circuit. Our games are quite alike.

"Obviously to see him struggle so much and go through so much pain, it's very sad and it hurts me as his long-time friend, colleague, rival."