Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, made a comeback at the Australian Open after losing the first set
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were rivals on the tennis court for a long time. They have faced each other many times, including seven Grand Slam finals. Now Murray’s role has changed. The British star is Djokovic’s coach at the current Australian Open. After playing the first match in his coaching, the Serbian star has mixed feelings.
Djokovic bounced back from a first-set loss to American 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the first Grand Slam of the year on Monday. The record 24-time Grand Slam winner won the men’s singles 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic holds the record for most titles at the Australian Open. This time, the 37-year-old star is campaigning for the 11th trophy here. If she wins here, she will surpass Margaret Court to win the most Grand Slam titles in tennis history.
Djokovic added Murray, a three-time Grand Slam winner, as coach in November. It was the 37-year-old’s first coaching experience since he ended his career at the Paris Olympics. It started with a win.
Djokovic is thrilled to have a longtime rival as a coach, and he is also feeling different.
“I’m excited to have him by my side (as coach). Of course, to have him on the courtside is a bit strange. We’ve played against each other at the highest level for over 20 years, so it’s good to have him by my side. ”
At Melbourne Park, all eyes were on the coaching pod. The coaching pod is a new addition to the Australian Open, which allows players to get the coaching staff on the side of the court. Three other members of Djokovic’s team were sitting there with Murray. They cheered Djokovic after losing the first set and clapping his hands after scoring points at crucial moments.
“He (Murray) gave me some great advice during the game. It’s really nice to be able to have such a discussion. Really nice experience. Hopefully, we don’t stop there. ”
The two have faced each other 36 times, including four Australian Open finals. Where Djokovic won 25, Murray won 11. In 2013, he defeated Djokovic to become the first British player to win Wimbledon in 77 years.