Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will finally begin their new partnership this week as the former takes on Nishesh Basavareddy at the Australian Open.
Murray says Djokovic has been ‘unbelievably open’ after agreeing to coach his former rival at the first Grand Slam of 2025.
The Serbian is seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title and 100th ATP Tour title in Melbourne, but Djokovic does have a tough Australian Open draw.
Up first in the tournament is American teenager Basavareddy, who was involved in the NextGen ATP Finals in Jeddah last month.
Djokovic is level with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles going into his opener, although he does top the list for men’s successes.
Martina Navratilova says Novak Djokovic will be on ‘best behaviour’ with Andy Murray
Not far behind the veteran on the overall list, however, is 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, who has now shared her verdict on his decision to hire Murray for the Australian Open.
“When somebody like Djokovic asks you, you probably say yes,” she said on Tennis Channel. “But still, I’m surprised that emotionally he felt ready to get back into the cauldron again.
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“I think Andy can help tactically with Novak because he knows the game so well, and there’s such a little bit that makes a difference.
“Novak can get really down on himself. He’s been mouthing off at his box, but I don’t think he’ll be doing that to Andy and that’ll help him stay positive when something bad happens and he’ll be so much stronger, mentally, just for that reason. He’ll be on his best behaviour.”
Andy Murray told he will have ‘good messages’ for Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open
Djokovic certainly wasn’t at his very best in 2024, with injuries and a lack of consistency playing big roles in his lack of silverware.
He failed to win a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017, although the legendary figure did emerge victorious at the Olympics.
That gold medal win will give him huge confidence that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, particularly given that it came against Carlos Alcaraz.
The success certainly left Lindsay Davenport impressed, with the three-time Grand Slam champion saying: “He put everything into achieving his ultimate goal, which was getting that gold medal.
“For whatever reason, the Grand Slams didn’t seem as important to Novak in 2024. I think it shifts back to becoming a real focal point for him and his team.”
And sharing her verdict on the Scot coming on board in Melbourne, she noted: “His knowledge of his fellow players is probably the highest.
“Andy took a lot of pride in knowing every single player, and what he needed to do, what he wanted to accomplish out there. He’ll have good messages for Novak.”
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