Andy Murray admits coaching is more challenging than he expected but believes it will help Novak Djokovic win more Grand Slam titles.
Murray will get his first taste of life on the other side during Monday's match when Djokovic takes on young American Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the Australian Open.
The 10-time Melbourne champion is in the unfamiliar position of being seeded seventh after failing to win a Grand Slam title in 2024 for the first time in seven years.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Djokovic explains why he chose old rival Murray as his new coach…
Djokovic's only title claim last year was the one he had been chasing his entire career, with the Serbian beating Carlos Alcaraz to claim an emotional Olympic gold in in Paris.
It was a reminder that Djokovic may still have a big say in what appears to be the era of Alcaraz, who Djokovic could meet in the quarter-finals here, and Jannik Sinner.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Djokovic will practice in Melbourne under the watchful eye of his new coach Murray as the Serbian seeks a record-extending 11th Australian Open singles title
Djokovic admitted that he felt strange at first opening himself up to someone he had previously tried to take advantage of, and it was the same feeling for Murray.
The 37-year-old has also gained new insights into the various coaching demands he was unaware of as a player.
Murray said of Djokovic: “He's been incredibly open, and the communication when we've been on the court together and off the court has been really good.
“I think the first couple of days were a bit strange, and it was a bit different. But both of us have been trying to encourage that communication, and trying to build that trust.
“And with frustration on the court and stuff. I totally understand that side of things for him. I'm here to try to help him as best as I can.
“Obviously he has been interesting and interesting. Things have been surprising but I expected him to be a very hard worker, very intense and always eager to learn, questioning many things, and want to get better.
“I've found that sometimes coaching can be a bit more challenging than I expected.
“I think when you're a player, you just see what you do on the court, and you're not involved in all the conversations with your team that go into each day, about how you feel, or what it is. what you are going to work on, and the strategy and preparation for games.
“But, obviously, as a coach and as a team member, the days look a bit different. And, yes, it's very challenging.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A look at all the Masters finals on the ATP Tour between Murray and Djokovic
Recruiting his old rival Murray was another sign that Djokovic is still looking for an extra edge, and the Scot said: “I think from looking at the his games last year, it was a little lacking sometimes, but it wasn't. at the Olympics, and also at Wimbledon.
“I think maybe the injury around the time of the French Open just before the Olympic Games took away the focus and the importance of the next few months.
“When he was fully motivated and focused, he won the Olympics, which is an amazing achievement. I think it was only natural after that to have a bit of a let down, because he had set himself one target. and one goal for the year and he did that.
“He achieved the last thing he felt like he needed to at the Olympics. So for me and his team, it's about trying to find that motivation to keep going and pushing for more.
“In the last few years Novak has established himself as the best tennis player of all time, certainly of his generation, with the records he has achieved. athlete of all time.
“But I think, if he can go out as a 38, 39-year-old player and win more Slams and beat Alcaraz and Sinner in big matches, he says he's the most athletic best ever, and I think that's exciting. for me and his team to be a part of that.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Djokovic explains why he chose old rival Murray as his new coach…
What's on on Sky Sports Tennis?
- ABN AMRO Rotterdam Open (ATP 500) – 3-9 February
- Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
- Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- IEB + Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Open 13 Provence (ATP 250) – February 10-16
- Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
- Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – 3-8 February
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
- Dubai Open Tennis Championships (WTA 1000) – February 16-22
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, plus the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NIS and the The Sky Sports appgiving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out here.
