Australian Open: images of Novak Djokovic coached in full match by Andy Murray

It’s an image that will become more and more frequent as the season progresses: Andy Murray, sitting on the edge of a tennis court, providing advice to Novak Djokovic. The former world number one, retired since his elimination in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 men’s doubles tournament, was installed this Monday, January 13, a few meters from the Serbian, his now student, who was making his debut at the Open of Australia against the American Nishesh Basavareddy.

In the images captured by Eurosport, we see the two men talking at the end of the third set, concentrated. Novak Djokovic is preparing to play the fourth and final round of this first round of the Australian Open and has apparently come to get some information from his new coach. If we cannot hear the words they exchange, we see Andy Murray miming the gesture of the racket on the backhand side, under the watchful eye of his former opponent.

“He gave me good advice”

“It’s a strange experience to have him in your box,” Djokovic explained after the victory to the press and in particular to our colleagues at L’Équipe. He gave me good advice in this strange match against a player who had nothing to lose, and whom I had never seen play until four, five days ago. »

In search of a 25th Grand Slam title, the Serbian overcame the loss of this first set without difficulty and concluded the last round 6 games to 2. “I made a decisive break and I changed the dynamic on my side”, before “finishing the match in style”, underlined the 37-year-old after his victory.

The two men try to “communicate a lot on and off the field”

With Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic relishes being able to speak with someone who “understands everything he experiences”. “We try to communicate a lot on and off the field,” continued the current world number 7. I like talking to Andy. He is a legend of this sport. He understands the ups and downs you go through on the court, not just playing, but mentally and physically as well. »