Andy Murray begins coaching Novak Djokovic as he aims to extend Australian Open record
Andy Murray has been putting Novak Djokovic through his paces at Melbourne Park ahead of the start of the Australian Open on Sunday, where the Serbian will aim to win an 11th title
by Felix Keith · The MirrorAndy Murray has got to work trying to improve the most successful tennis player of all time.
Murray announced in November that he would begin his coaching career right at the top of the tree by working with his former opponent Novak Djokovic. The Serbian has won 24 Grand Slam titles during a storied career, but has teamed up with Murray in the hope of gaining some fresh insight into his game.
The duo are out in Melbourne ahead of the start of the first Major of the year, the Australian Open, on Sunday. Djokovic – who, at 37, is the same age as his coach – is hoping to win the title for a record-extending 11th time.
He will be among the favourites for the men’s singles title, but showed he is fallible in the build-up by losing to the world No.293 at the Brisbane Open. Reilly Opelka knocked Djokovic out of the tournament in straight sets, giving Murray plenty to look at when they took to the court at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.
Murray has taken over from Djokovic’s long-time coach Goran Ivanisevic and was seen chatting to his former opponent during the practice session. Footage showed Murray stood behind Djokovic and watching closely as he went through a baseline drill.
Djokovic split from Ivanisevic in March and spent the rest of 2024 working without a full-time coach. He failed to win a Major title last year, but did win his first Olympic gold medal in the singles at the Paris Olympic Games.
“Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals,” Djokovic said of the partnership last month. “In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has always been one of the top rivals.
“But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia. The 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional. He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.
“He has also played up to recently on the tour, so he knows all the other best players currently in the world, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So I look forward to it, I really do.
“I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well.”
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