Melbourne, Jan 10 (NationPress) The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is optimistic that his collaboration with long-time rival-turned-coach Andy Murray will bring more than just joy as he aims for his 11th Australian Open title.
In November last year, the Serbian, who had previously been coached by Grand Slam legends Boris Becker and Goran Ivanisevic, announced that three-time Grand Slam champion Murray, who has recently retired from professional tennis, would take on the coaching role.
After spending eight days training together in the pre-season and a significant part of this week in Melbourne, Murray will officially join Djokovic's coaching box for the first time when the 24-time Grand Slam winner faces 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy in his opening match on January 12.
“He provides me with motivation and inspires me to spend time on the court. There’s extensive communication about every shot in the game, my strategies, mental approach, and interactions during matches and practice sessions. He’s incredibly meticulous and dedicated. So far, I’ve been relishing this partnership,” Djokovic shared with reporters at Melbourne Park on Friday.
“Initially, it felt a bit odd sharing insights with him, not just about the game but about how I feel and life in general. It’s not in a negative sense, but it’s something I’ve never done with him, considering he has always been one of my greatest competitors.
“We used to keep things hidden from each other. Now, everything is laid out on the table. That’s what he expects,” he added.
Djokovic wrapped up his 2024 season at the ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai, where he faced defeat against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final. Last year marked the first time since an injury-plagued 2017 that Djokovic didn’t secure any major titles in a season. However, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the Olympic gold in Paris, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a tense two-tiebreak final on clay.
The 37-year-old commenced 2025 in Brisbane, where he faced a straight-sets loss to Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals but is determined to rebound at his most successful venue on Tour.
“Andy has truly inspired me and many people worldwide. His unique insight into my game comes from having competed against me for 25 years. He understands the evolution of my game, including its strengths and weaknesses.
“He is also well-acquainted with the game of the top players in the world today since he recently retired. I believe he is up to speed with current tour dynamics,” he noted.
Djokovic's first-round opponent, Basavareddy, is making his Grand Slam debut, much like Djokovic did in 2005. The 10-time champion is eager to avoid a repeat of last year’s experience when another teenage debutant, Dino Prizmic, pushed him to the four-hour mark in their first-round encounter.
“I’m certain he will be highly motivated to make an impression,” Djokovic commented about Basavareddy. “I need to approach that match with the utmost seriousness, just like any other, and strive for a victory while also enjoying the moment of sharing the court with him.”
Djokovic is on a quest to secure a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, and a victory in Melbourne would also position him as the third player to achieve 100 tour-level titles (following Jimmy Connors with 109 and Roger Federer with 103).
