
The best part about having another former world number one and Grand Slam winner as his new coach? “I don’t need to do much explaining,” Djokovic says.
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray had a successful start to their blockbuster coaching partnership at the Australian Open. But for Djokovic, it was still a “strange experience” to see his former opponent on the same side of the court, and in such close proximity, on Monday.
“It’s all business for us now,” Djokovic said of Murray during his on-court interview following his first-round victory against American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy. “I’m happy to have him in my corner… I must admit that having him at courtside in my box was an unusual experience for me.
We played against one other at the greatest level for over 20 years, and it’s amazing to see him on the same side of the net again.”
The match got off to a tight start as Basavareddy dominated the first set against the 24-time Grand Slam winner, who has won eleven of them singles titles on Rod Laver Arena. Murray, who retired from playing tennis last summer before making an unexpected comeback as a coach, was living for every point.
But what’s the best part about having a former world number one and Grand Slam champion as his new coach? “I don’t need to do much explaining,” Djokovic tells the reporters in Melbourne.
“He gets everything that I’m going through. In those moments on the court, it’s a big battle. Of course, he wants me to show the energy, to show the fist pump and everything to get myself going,” he said.
Djokovic ultimately turned things around to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 against Basavareddy and get his quest for a 25th major crown back on track. Throughout the match, Djokovic had access to advice from Murray and was seen conferring with his coaching box; while microphones didn’t catch exactly what the pair discussed, watching their interactions delighted pundits and tennis fans online.
“I think communication is the key to understanding each other and to finding the formula that really works. That’s what we’re trying,” Djokovic reveals.
“We try to communicate a lot on and off the court. Before the match we talked, before the warm-up… Right now, five minutes ago we talked about the match, about how I feel, about how he thinks I played and what needs to be done on the practice court tomorrow, et cetera.”
It’s a particular stroke of good fortune, both for tennis fans and for Australian Open organizers, that Djokovic and Murray’s stint as teammates is taking place amid the tournament’s much-discussed coaching pods experiment. The new setup places coaches directly on court near the sidelines, giving them free rein to communicate with their players in real time.
“A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot,” Djokovic said, explaining that he was looking for Murray’s “feedback, his guidance and opinion” during tense moments.
“I enjoy talking to Andy,” he added. “I mean, he knows tennis as well as anybody out there. He’s a legend of the sport. He understands the highs and lows that you go through on the court, not just game-wise but mentally and physically.”
So, what is the judgment on Murray, who, according to Eurosport’s Tim Henman, watched “20 hours” of Basavareddy’s game before making his coaching debut? Despite their shared history, proximity, and “pod”-style setup, Djokovic easily wins the collaboration. “I thought he was doing well today.
“He stood up several times to encourage and support me,” added Djokovic, who will face Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round. “I enjoyed it. I truly enjoyed it. I think he’s a fantastic man. It’s a delight to have him by my side.”