Novak Djokovic hit the Australian Open practice courts with new coach Andy Murray (Image: Getty)
has been told that gives him a major advantage.
Just months after Murray retired at the Olympics, for the off-season and .
The Brit has now arrived in Melbourne, hitting the practice courts for the first time with Djokovic on Tuesday.
Djokovic will be bidding to win a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, which has become his hunting ground. The Serb has already lifted 10 trophies in Melbourne Park, and he’s hungry for more.
The 37-year-old had an unusual 2024 season, winning just one title – an Olympic gold medal – and suffering some early exits at big tournaments. But he proved he was still as motivated as ever when he announced Murray would begin coaching him during the off-season.
The blockbuster link-up sent the tennis world into a frenzy. Fellow retired star Jeremy Chardy but Alexander Bublik
Tennis legend Stefan Edberg has now had his say, explaining why Murray has a key advantage as a new coach. The six-time Major winner knows exactly what it’s like to go from being a top player to coaching one – he worked with in 2014.
Novak Djokovic is seeking his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open (Image: Getty)
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But he believes Murray has an advantage over other players who have entered the coaching circle, given how recently he retired.
“You had former number one players coaching in the past – Ivan Lendl and Boris Becker are two other examples – but we’d all been retired for a number of years,” Edberg told the .
“Murray basically goes straight off the tour so he has all the knowledge of the players who play today.”
As well as Murray’s ability to scout the current players, Edberg believes his presence will be enough to motivate Djokovic.
He added: “But most of all for Novak I think it’s to create some inspiration, some motivation going forward.
“Small things can make a difference, whether it’s tactically, mentally, preparing for a match or doing things in your free time.”
Murray spent 10 days with Djokovic during the off-season before the Serb flew to Brisbane for his first tournament of the season. It didn’t end well – he
The Brit was off on a family skiing trip. But he has now arrived in Melbourne to help Djokovic prepare for the Australian Open. They took to the court for their first official training session on Tuesday, where Djokovic reportedly won a practice set against .