game ape Australian Open: Djokovic Describes Pleasure, Yet 'Strange' Feeling Of Having Murray In His Corner

Novak Djokovic and coach Andy Murray Novak Djokovic and coach Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic says it is a "pleasure" to have Andy Murray in his corner but also a "strange" experience during his Australian Open first-round victory over Nishesh Basavareddy. (Full Coverage | More Tennis News)game ape

The Serb had to come from a set down to progress to the second round but triumphed 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic has now registered at least one major match win for 21 seasons in his career, with only Roger Federer (22) managing more seasons during the Open Era.

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He is also set to make history in the second round – having played his 429th main-draw match at grand slams on Monday, he will surpass Federer's record next time out against Jaime Faria.

Djokovic is bidding to win a record 25th grand slam, and 11th in Melbourne, having enlisted Murray as his coach to help him do so.

"He knows tennis as well as anybody out there," Djokovic said. "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.

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"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. It's a pleasure to have him in my corner.

"I did, of course, practice sessions with him the whole week before [the] match. But it's different in [an] official match. The court on which we have faced each other on the opposite side of the net quite a few times actually.

Looking onCoach Andy Murray sitting courtside for Novak Djokovic's first round match #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/kY0JXj849x

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025

"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.

"Not to repeat myself, but 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."

Though Murray agreed to be Djokovic's coach in November, the pair only recently started working together in the build-up to the tournament, with the arrangement initially just for the Australian Open.

The 37-year-old is already happy with the dynamic they have worked out.

"We try to communicate a lot on and off the court," Djokovic said. "Before the match, we talked. Before the warm-up, before the actual match.

"Right now, five minutes ago we talked about the match, about how I feel, about how he thinks I played and what needs to be done on the practice court tomorrow, et cetera. I think communication is the key to understanding each other and to finding, I guess, the formula that really works.

"That's what we're trying. As we didn't spend too much time together, we're still in that kind of first phase of getting to know each other. This was the first match that we had together.

The Djoker seals it with an ace @DjokerNole progresses into the second round once again in Melbourne! @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/WGILyMTzh2

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025

"I really like the feeling of having Andy as my coach in the corner from this year. New coaching stuff, player/coaching stuff. Seating, which is basically on the court in the corner, which allows me to hear them better.

"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. It's important. I enjoy talking to Andy.

"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.

"He's constantly supportive and encouraging me. He's brilliant with that. 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 needgame ape, honestly. I was looking for that extra motivation. I definitely have it with Andy."