Tennis legend Andy Murray held his first public session as Novak Djokovic’s coach, and the signs are already positive.
Murray caused shockwaves throughout the sport when it was announced that the former world No.1 would join long-term friend and rival Djokovic’s coaching team for the Australian Open, with the Serb superstar already hailing the impact Dunblane’s Murray has had saying: “He is bringing a fresh look to my game and I will be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. He also has that champion’s mentality I am sure that we will match very well.”
The pair delighted fans when they took to the court together for the first time on January 7, 19 years after making their debut as doubles partners at the same tournament. After putting his former rival through his paces, Djokovic took part in an intense practice set against world No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, eventually winning 7-5 – and catching the eye for his superb serving during the session.
And fans on social media were delighted to see the duo back on court and working together. One joked: “Andy Murray spent his playing career studying Novak Djokovic’s game looking for weaknesses and so it’ll be a relief now that he’s retired that he can relax and spend his time studying Novak Djokovic’s game looking for weaknesses.” Another said: “I love this! Exciting partnership! Can’t wait to watch the matches,” whilst the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) described them as: “The duo we never knew we needed.”
Djokovic will be bidding to win a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, which has become his hunting ground, having already lifted 10 trophies in Melbourne Park – and he will be determined to put a disappointing 2024 behind him. Despite winning Olympic gold in Paris, Djokovic failed to take a Grand Slam. New coach Murray spent 10 days with the Serb during the off-season before he flew to Brisbane for his first tournament of the season, but there he suffered a shock defeat in the quarter-final to world No. 293 Reilly Opelka.
Jannik Sinner leads the way in the betting odds to win the tournament for a second year running, after the world No.1 won a gruelling final against Daniil Medvedev 12 months ago. Carlos Alacarz follows in second with Djokovic third favourite with the bookies to secure an 11th Melbourne title.