Scottish tennis legend Andy Murray’s first game as a coach got off to a perfect start.
The two-time Wimbledon winner was in the coaching box when Novak Djokovic won his opening match in the first round of the Australian Open. The Serbian recovered from a set down to defeat 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy in four sets in what was was the 37-year-old legend’s first match with Murray in his coaching box.
Speaking his post-match press conference, Djokovic said: “I really like the feeling having Andy as my coach in the corner from this year. A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion. It’s important. I enjoy talking to Andy. 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.”
But not everyone watching was satisfied, as TV mics were unable to pick up what was being said between the pair. Jon Wertheim of popular US-based show ‘Tennis Channel Live’ voiced his discontent, commenting: “I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to hear more of the interactions and exchanges. Maybe Andy Murray had really sage advice.” He then added: “I want more Murray-Djokovic action – mic ’em up!”
This idea is not unprecedented in tennis as coaches wear microphones during matches at the US Open. American tennis legend Lindsay Davenport agreed, adding: “At the US Open we almost hear too much. But at the Australian Open, we’re not hearing anything.”
Former world No 1 Andy Roddick, who played Murray 11 times and Djokovic nine times before retiring in 2012, made an interesting prediction about the partnership. He said: “Here’s what I think is going to happen: If Novak does really well, we’re going to give Andy Murray – who I think has one of the highest tennis IQs ever – too much credit. And if something weird happens, we’re going to give Murray too much blame.”
“Novak’s not going to change too much from what has got him to 24 Slams and 10 titles in Australia. It’s as simple as this – there are very few people that Novak can sit across from at dinner and talk about tennis and strategy, who understand the moment and what he’s trying to do, and whose brain he respects enough to actually consider their opinions. I think Andy Murray is one of those few, so it makes sense in so many ways.”
Djokovic was set to face 21-year-old Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round of the hard-court Grand Slam event on Wednesday.