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Watch as Novak Djokovic practices with Andy Murray ahead of the Australian Open

Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images
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Novak Djokovic is currently preparing for yet another Grand Slam season on the ATP Tour, but this time with former rival Andy Murray by his side.

Djokovic finds it strange being coached by Murray, with the pair having been enemies on the court for several years.

But Murray turned the tide when he agreed to coach Djokovic shortly after his retirement following the Olympics in August.

Djokovic was once Murray’s most difficult opponent, but now the pair are on the same side of the net as they look to achieve Australian Open glory.

The ATP number seven is chasing a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne this month, along with a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam.

TENNIS-AUS-OPEN
Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

Novak Djokovic practices with Andy Murray ahead of the Australian Open

And he has now been spotted practising under the watchful eye of his new coach at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne.

“Novak and Andy… still looks fit as a fiddle,” noted the Australian Open commentary team. “This is great though, isn’t it?

READ MORE: The history-making Australian Open match which Novak Djokovic once admitted was the greatest win of his career

“Drilling across the baseline there, the Bryan brothers [Bob and Mike, former doubles world number one] used to do that at the net a lot. They used to simultaneously hit volleys across the net.”

How will Andy Murray coach Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open?

All eyes will be on this intriguing partnership between Djokovic and Murray when main draw action gets underway on Sunday, with qualification having already started.

The Serbian may not be the favourite given the presence of young stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but he does have experience on his side and a long history of success at the competition.

READ MORE: The ‘disrespectful’ Australian Open rule which left Andy Murray fuming back in 2023

Moreover, he now has a three-time Grand Slam champion among his ranks, with Murray a five-time Australian Open finalist.

The former world number one will be constantly in the ear of his former rival as the competition approaches, aiming to share as much insight as possible.

But Murray will also be well aware that Djokovic will have his own ideas that simply need no alteration, having enjoyed so much success throughout his stunning career so far.

Australian Open glory constantly eluded the Scot during his playing career, but he now has the chance to right that wrong with the help of his former rival.