Novak Djokovic is searching for an 11th Australian Open title at this year’s event.
The 2025 Australian Open is now just two days away, as the stars of the ATP Tour prepare for the first Grand Slam of the season.
Having lost in the semi-finals of last year’s tournament to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, Djokovic will be looking to get back to winning ways at Melbourne Park.
He made a big change in the off-season to help with that, as Andy Murray joined Djokovic’s coaching team.
The pair have been working together and will be hoping to kickstart their season with a big win at the Australian Open.
Just days out from the start of the tournament, Djokovic has spoken about something that might help their partnership flourish.
Novak Djokovic highlights ‘great’ Australian Open change that can help him and Andy Murray
In his press conference ahead of the 2025 tournament, 24-time Slam winner Djokovic gave his thoughts on a change that the Australian Open has made for this year’s event.
“I think it’s great that the Australian Open introduced the coaching box on the court at the same level in the corner,” he said.
“I think it’s great.
“That’s where Andy [Murray] and the coaching staff will sit.”
Djokovic went on to say how impressed he has been with Murray during the short time they’ve spent together.
“There’s a lot of communication about every shot in the game, my game, tactics, mental approach, communication on the court during matches, practice sessions,” he said.
“He’s daily spending quite a bit of time with other team members, trying to get synchronized with them.
“So far has been only positive experience for me, to be honest.
“I’m very pleasantly surprised with his dedication and professionalism, considering he’s never had the experience of working as a tennis coach.
“It comes naturally to him, his IQ generally and tennis IQ is very high.
“He observes and speaks when it is most important. I think he understands the moment when he needs to say something and what to say and what to ask.”
Djokovic did, however, explain what was ‘strange’ about working with Murray in the beginning.
“I must say at the beginning it was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share the insights with him, not just about the game but about how I feel, about life in general,” said the Serb.
“Not in a negative way, but just in a way I have never done that with him because he was always one of my greatest rivals.
“We were always kind of hiding things from each other.
“Now all cards are open on the table, that’s what he demands.
“I am 100% supportive of that kind of communication method where you share everything because that’s the best way for him to understand you and to actually help you in whatever way he can.”
What happened in Novak Djokovic’s exhibition set against Alexander Zverev?
Just a few days before the start of the Australian Open, Djokovic hosted ‘A Night With Novak’, an event that saw the likes of Djokovic, Murray, Alexander Zverev, Qinwen Zheng, and Victoria Azarenka take to the court.
A highlight of the event was a practice set between world number two Zverev, and ten-time champion Djokovic.
A set played in good spirits eventually went the way of the 37-year-old, as he clinched the tiebreaker 8-6.
Djokovic was pleased after the match, and felt as though the exhibition was good practice for him, and the newest member of his coaching team.
“We [Djokovic and Murray] still haven’t had any official match where he’s coaching me,” he said.
“Last night when I played Sascha [Zverev], it was interesting to see him in the coaching corner.
“Obviously was an exhibition, so not the same, still, there’s a little bit of an introduction to what’s expecting us on Monday, to that feeling.
“Doing it on the court in front of hundreds if not thousands of people that are watching practice sessions as well is a good way for us I guess to prepare for the matches and him to see how I react in some practice matches.
“So yeah, I look forward, let’s see what will happen, I’m excited to start the tournament with him.”
Djokovic will begin his search for an 11th Australian Open title on Monday 13 with his first-round matchup against Nishesh Basavareddy.
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