Match Reaction
Djokovic on adjusting to Murray the mid-match motivator!
Serbian reveals ‘strange’ feeling of having former rival in his player box
January 13, 2025
David Gray/AFP via Getty Images
Novak Djokovic consults his coach Andy Murray on Monday during his first-round win at the Australian Open.
By ATP Staff
A familiar face in a not-so-familiar setting!
Novak Djokovic has spent plenty of time on the practice court with his new coach Andy Murray in the past few weeks. Yet the Serbian still needed a little time to adjust to having his great ATP Tour rival in his player box on Monday during his Australian Open win against Nishesh Basavareddy.
“I did, of course, practice sessions with him the whole week before tonight’s match. But it’s different in an official match, centre court, night session,” said Djokovic after his 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory against #NextGenATP American Basavareddy. “The court on which we have faced each other the opposite side of the net quite a few times actually. I think we played I don’t know how many finals. That’s why it was a little bit strange to see that and experience that.
“I’m obviously enjoying myself spending time with him on the court and off the court, talking to him about tennis, just picking his brain, understanding how he sees tennis. I try to ask him questions a lot of times, how he sees my game. He asks me constantly to understand how I feel, what I’m going through.
“It’s still that initial period of getting to know each other. There’s a lot of communication. At times, as well, it’s not necessary for us to exchange words because we just look at each other and we know what happened on the court, whether it’s in the match or in the practice session set.”
Djokovic hired Murray as he attempts to maintain his challenge for the biggest titles in tennis, even at the age of 37. The record 24-time Grand Slam champion and 10-time titlist in Melbourne was impressed with the energy emanating from his new coach, against whom he triumphed in four Australian Open championship matches.
“He’s constantly supportive and encouraging me. He’s brilliant with that,” revealed Djokovic. “He cares a lot and he’s putting a lot of energy into trying to make me feel good on the court. I think that’s what I need, honestly. I was looking for that extra motivation. I definitely have it with Andy.”
Djokovic certainly appeared in need of a boost after dropping the first set against Basavareddy, the 19-year-old who was making his event debut as a wild card at Melbourne Park. Djokovic maintained frequent conversation with Murray and was later asked what insight the Scot had offered: While the Serbian did not want to go into any specifics, he did reveal a bit more about their coach-player dynamic.
“A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion,” said Djokovic. “It’s important. I enjoy talking to Andy. I mean, he knows tennis as well as anybody out there. He’s a legend of the sport. He understands the highs and lows that you go through on the court, not just game-wise but mentally and physically.
“I don’t need to do much explaining. He gets everything that I’m going through. In those moments on the court, it’s a big battle. Of course, he wants me to show the energy, to show the fist pump and everything to get myself going. I think he was doing great today. He was standing up several times, trying to encourage me and support me. I enjoyed it. I really did enjoy it. I think he’s a great guy. It’s a pleasure to have him in my corner.”
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Whichever game plan was hatched by the pair of former No. 1s in the PIF ATP Rankings, it worked. Djokovic rallied to a four-set win to book a second-round meeting with qualifier Jaime Faria, but he was nonetheless impressed with what he saw from 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF competitor Basavareddy.
“I was very impressed by him. I think the whole stadium was really. That’s why he got a great round of applause and appreciation from the crowd,” reflected Djokovic. “They saw what he did on the court, the quality of tennis he put in, the fighting spirit.
“Huge credit to him for stepping out in his debut in a Grand Slam, first time on a big court, playing the way he did play. So well done. I’m sure if he keeps going, as I said on the court, this way, he’s very young, we going to see quite a bit of him in the future.
“He’s got really great hands. Overall quite a complete player. Of course, he can always improve on the shots. He already has a really good game.”
