Novak Djokovic’s Bizarre Decision Involving Andy Murray Sparks Surprise During Challenging Australian Open Opener
The anticipated moment is finally here! Andy Murray is sitting courtside looking on his mentee Novak Djokovic as he plays his first match of the year at the Australian Open. This monumental partnership began in November, 5 months after Murray retired from professional tennis. But looks like the duo is still getting used to each other.
The Australian Open has introduced court-side coaching pods for the 2025 tournament, marking a first for grand slam tennis. These innovative areas are situated at opposite corners of the court and allow players to have up to four members of their support staff sit directly at court level.
Andy Murray is sitting in one of the pods. As Novak Djokovic plays against Nishesh Basavareddy Murray is closely watching. While the Serb is down a set and is struggling, he is yet to ask his rival turned coach for help. Ex Australian tennis player Paul Mcnamee has pointed out a rather peculiar detail. According to him, it looks like the 24-time-Grand Slam champion is avoiding his new coach. He could rest his towel right next to Murray but has chosen not to for some reason.
Djokovic, down a set, could rest his towel right next to Andy Murray, but has chosen not to…I’m waiting for their first on court interaction as coach player… may be needed
— ️ Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) January 13, 2025
The 37-year-old is chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open and 25th Grand Slam title. The Brit plans on bringing more motivation and excitement to his game as the Serb has achieved almost everything there is to achieve. Though he did not win a title last year, he did conquer his dream of claiming the gold medal at the Paris Olympics for his country, Serbia.
Talking about what he brings to the game, the 2 time Wimbledon champion said, “These next couple of years, I think he maybe already has a legitimate claim to be the best athlete of all time.But I think, if he can go out as a 38, 39-year-old and win more slams and beat Alcaraz and (Jannik) Sinner in big matches, he’s got a claim to be the best athlete of all time, and I think that’s exciting for me and his team to be part of that.”
Andy Murray opens up on coaching Novak Djokovic being ‘Demanding’
While Andy Murray was absent at Novak Djokovic’s first tournament at the Brisbane International due to a skiing trip, he is sitting courtside now to keep a close eye on the 10 times Australian Open champion. But how have they gone about this new experience of being a mentor and mentor?
Andy Murray recently opened up about his first experience of being the coach in an interview via SkySports. He said, “It’s obviously been fascinating and interesting. There are some things that have been surprising, but I expected him to be an extremely hard worker, very intense and always keen to learn, questioning lots of things, and wanting to get better.”
The Brit further shared, “I’ve found at times coaching maybe a little bit more demanding 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’re feeling, or what it is that you’re going to work on, and the strategy and preparations for matches.”
Four months out from his 38th birthday, he would comfortably be the oldest grand slam singles champion in the Open era, should Djoker triumph in Melbourn. With Andy Murray by his side, can Novak Djokovic claim the Australian Open and break records?
