Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray know each other’s games inside out, having met 36 times on the court.
It is the former who boasts the better record, having won 25 of those meetings across the various surfaces over the years.
Both 37, the pair are now approaching the latter stages of their stunning careers, although it is seemingly Murray who is nearer to retirement.
The Scot has been forced to withdraw from the Wimbledon singles due to injury, with his first ever coach paying tribute following the decision.
Djokovic meanwhile also faced a race to be fit for the third Grand Slam of the year, with the Serbian winning that race.
Novak Djokovic makes Andy Murray prediction after Wimbledon withdrawal
Having only just undergone knee surgery, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has already secured a spot in the second round.
He has, however, taken time after that victory to also pay tribute to Murray, as well as predicting what will come next for the Briton.
“Very sad news for the tournament and the tennis world to hear that he withdrew from the singles at Wimbledon,” Djokovic said in his first round press conference.
“I hear he is going to try and play doubles. Hopefully he can get another shot at next year’s Wimbledon singles and knowing him he is going to try and do that.
“Just incredible resilience throughout all his career. Multiple Grand Slam winner, legend of the game, number one in the world, going to play challenger circuit to build his ranking on clay, his least favourite surface, says a lot about his character.
“He’s a huge inspiration to all of the players. Doesn’t mind getting out on the court for hours every day. Incredible professional. Just his approach is something to study, no doubt.
“His will to push and see how far he can go, even with an artificial hip, is something that is just inspiring but also serves as a great example to a lot of the younger athletes who start to complain about this and that.
“He has left a great mark on and off the court. But something tells me again that he will keep going. He deserves and has every right to say when it’s the finish line for him, so if he wants to keep going no doubt people will be very happy about it.”
What does the future hold for Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic?
Murray will undoubtedly be keen to continue for as long as possible, with his fellow Briton Emma Raducanu wanting exactly that for the three-time Grand Slam champion.
But whether his body allows him to is another matter entirely, with the Scot having suffered several serious injuries throughout his career.
Tennis fans have been left devastated by his latest Wimbledon decision, but there is hope that he can still compete at the Olympics.
Djokovic meanwhile has proven just how much of a physical specimen he is, having recovered remarkably quickly from his knee issue.
He soared into round two of Wimbledon with a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva, and will definitely be looking to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight titles.
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