Novak Djokovic's partnership with Andy Murray took center stage at the 2025 Australian Open, where they faced off as player and coach for the first time on Monday night. The match against 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy proved to be both challenging and enlightening for the new duo.
Djokovic, chasing his 11th title at Melbourne Park and aiming for his record-extending 25th Grand Slam victory, initially struggled with his form. After dropping the first set, he rallied to secure the win with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Following the match, Djokovic expressed ELATED satisfaction with having Murray by his side, stating, "I’m obviously thrilled to have him in my corner. It was a little bit of a strange experience to have him courtside. We played for over 20 years against each other at the highest level. Great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me great advice mid-match."
The debut of their coaching partnership was not without its nervous moments. Djokovic admitted there was much to learn as they navigated their new dynamic. “We're still in the first phase of getting to know each other,” said Djokovic. “He knows tennis as well as anybody out there.” This coaching engagement marks quite the shift for both past competitors, emphasizing the evolution of their relationship from adversaries to allies.
Before the match, Djokovic and Murray shared some moments of camaraderie, chatting and motivating each other prior to stepping onto the court. Despite Murray's retirement from professional play after the 2024 Paris Olympics, his deep knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset for Djokovic, who has achieved remarkable success throughout his career.
Murray's strategic approach yells confidence. "One of my strengths as a player was strategy,” Murray said. “I don’t think you can become as great as he has become if you don't listen and are not open-minded." It's evident the duo's familiarity eases their coaching setup, allowing for rare connection even amid high-stakes competition.
The new coaching structure at the Australian Open has drawn mixed reactions. Implemented this year, the 'coaching pods' allow coaches to engage with players through conversation and visual cues during matches, except during live points. Murray’s presence courtside during Djokovic's match intrigued spectators, many of whom expressed disbelief at witnessing their former rivals now cooperating. Scott Barclay, Andy Murray fan and podcast host, tweeted, "Imagine showing this video to someone from last year and telling them this reality. They’d genuinely think you’d gone mad!"
Despite the novelty of the rule and its implementation, Djokovic utilized it to its fullest, frequently seeking Murray's insights. Djokovic noted, "It's good we can have coaching on the same side. It's completely different when you’re watching from the side." Yet there were instances where the chemistry between them seemed hesitant, as they began at what some termed as 'polite.' David Law from The Tennis Podcast pointed out how Djokovic and Murray appeared to be maintaining courtesy, rather than fully embracing the intensity expected from their historical rivalry.
Djokovic’s recovery to claim victory showcased his resilience, largely powered by his powerful backhand and potent serve, containing 23 aces against Basavareddy. The young American had its moments, breaking Djokovic’s serve and claiming the first set, which served as both shock and motivation for the seasoned competitor.
Commenting on his opponent's prowess, Djokovic remarked, "He did pleasantly surprise me with all of his shots and his fighting spirit toward the end." Meanwhile, the aftermath of the match prompted dialogues about the unique pressures now placed on Murray. Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick suggested the fluctuations of triumph or failure would disproportionately credit or blame Murray based on Djokovic's performance.
“If Novak does really well, we’ll give Andy Murray too much credit. If something weird happens, we’ll give him too much blame,” Roddick noted. “It makes sense; there are few people Novak respects enough to take their opinions.”
The partnership has potential, evidenced by Djokovic's strategic discussions with his coach about the nuances of their sport. With equal parts excitement and skepticism swirling around the new dynamic, tennis fans and analysts eagerly anticipate how this partnership will develop and affect Djokovic's quest for longevity at the sport's pinnacle.
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Next up for Djokovic is his second-round match against Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, continuing his bid to cement his legacy with yet another Grand Slam title and 100th career win. “I’m sure we’ll see plenty of him [Basavareddy] in the future,” Djokovic said of his young competitor during the post-match press conference, reflecting the sportsmanship expected from such champions.