Djokovic Praises 'Diligent and Committed' Coach Murray Before Australian Open
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Melbourne, Jan 10 (NationPress) The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is optimistic that his collaboration with long-time adversary-turned-coach Andy Murray will result in more than mere enjoyment in his quest for the 11th Australian Open title.
In November of the previous year, the Serbian, who was guided by Grand Slam legends Boris Becker and Goran Ivanisevic, declared that the three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, freshly retired from professional tennis, would take on the role of his coach.
After spending eight days training together during the pre-season and much of the current week in Melbourne, Murray will be present in Djokovic’s coaching box for the first time during an official match when the 24-time Grand Slam champion faces 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy in his opening round on January 12.
“He motivates me and inspires me to spend time on the court. There’s extensive communication about each shot in the game, my tactics, mental strategies, and communication during matches and practice sessions. He’s incredibly meticulous and a dedicated professional. So far, I’ve truly enjoyed this collaboration,” Djokovic expressed to reporters at Melbourne Park on Friday.
“At first, it felt a bit strange sharing insights with him, not only about the game but also about my feelings and life in general. Not in a negative sense, but in a way I’ve never done before since he was always one of my fiercest rivals.
“We were always somewhat secretive with each other. Now, everything is on the table. That’s what he demands,” he remarked.
Djokovic wrapped up his 2024 season at the ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai, where he was defeated by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final. Last year marked the first occasion since an injury-plagued 2017 season that Djokovic did not secure a major title in a single year. However, he achieved a significant victory by clinching the long-coveted Olympic gold in Paris, overcoming Carlos Alcaraz in a two-tiebreak final on clay.
The 37-year-old commenced 2025 in Brisbane, and although he suffered a straight-sets defeat to Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals, Djokovic aims to rebound at his most successful destination on Tour.
“Andy has truly inspired me and countless individuals around the globe. His unique perspective on my game stems from the fact that he has competed against me for 25 years. He understands the evolution of my game, including my strengths and weaknesses.
“He’s also well-acquainted with the game of the top players in the world since he recently retired as a player. He’s up to date with what’s happening on the tour,” he added.
Djokovic’s opening round opponent Basavareddy, like Djokovic in 2005 during his Grand Slam debut, is eager to avoid the fate of last year when another teenager, Dino Prizmic, pushed him beyond four hours in the first round at a major for the first time.
“I’m certain he will be very motivated to make a statement,” Djokovic said of Basavareddy. “I must approach this match with utmost seriousness, just like any other, and do my best to secure a win while also savoring the moment of sharing the court with him.”
Djokovic is striving to secure a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title – a victory in Melbourne would also affirm his status as the third player to achieve 100 tour-level titles (following Jimmy Connors with 109 and Roger Federer with 103).
