Novak Djokovic admits it feels a bit weird to now be sharing all of his game secrets and insights with Andy Murray after years of competing against each other and being one of the biggest rivals.
After announcing a shock partnership, the Serb and the newly retired Briton did a 10-day training block before the world No. 7 departed for Australia.
Now, Djokovic is set to kick off his season at the Brisbane International, where he is the top seed and faces Rinky Hijikata in the first round.
However, his debut with Murray won’t come until the Australian Open.
In the past, the two giants faced 36 times and the Serb won 25 of those meetings – including winning five of their seven Grand Slam finals.
Djokovic: Strange for me to share all these kinds of insights with Murray
“It’s strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game, with somebody who has been one of my top rivals,” the 37-year-old said.
“But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me, and in Australia … he’s very meticulous, dedicated and professional.”
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic© YouTube screenshot
In 2024, Djokovic didn’t win a single Grand Slam and the feeling is that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz separated themselves from the former world No. 1.
So when reflecting on his past season and analyzing what he needed to do next, the Serb realized that he wanted someone who was in the same position as him.
That’s when he contacted Murray – who was left surprised by the offer – but it didn’t take long before he accepted it.
When the Australian Open starts, their partnership will be one of the main storylines of the tournament.
Tennis World USA