Novak Djokovic says Andy Murray coaching at Australian Open was a “strange experience”

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray enjoyed a winning start to their blockbuster coaching relationship at Australian Open. But for Djokovic, it was still a “strange experience” to have his one-time rival on the same side of the court, and in such close proximity, on Monday.

“It’s all business for us now,” Djokovic said of Murray during his on-court interview, after defeating American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.

“Obviously, thrilled to have him in my corner… I must say, it was a little bit of a strange experience to have him right courtside in my box. We played for over 20 years against each other on the highest level, and it’s great to have him on the same side of the net.”

Read More: Amritraj: We won’t see benefits of Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray coaching relationship until later in Australian Open

The match got off to a bit of a tense start as Basavareddy raced ahead, taking the first set against the 24-time Grand Slam winner who has claimed 10 of those singles titles on Rod Laver Arena. Murray, who retired from professional tennis last summer before announcing an unexpected return via coaching, was living for every point.

But the best part of having a fellow former world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion as his new coach? “I don't need to do much explaining,” Djokovic tells press in Melbourne.

Read More: The Demolition Man: Novak Djokovic pushes forward with his relentless approach to tennis and life

“He gets everything that I'm going through. 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,” he said.

Djokovic ultimately turned things around to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 against Basavareddy and get his quest for a 25th major crown back on track. Throughout the match, Djokovic had access to advice from Murray and was seen conferring with his coaching box; while microphones didn’t catch exactly what the pair discussed, watching their interactions delighted pundits and tennis fans online.

“I think communication is the key to understanding each other and to finding the formula that really works. That's what we're trying,” Djokovic reveals.

“We try to communicate a lot on and off the court. Before the match we talked, before the warm-up… 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.”

It’s a particular stroke of good fortune, both for tennis fans and for Australian Open organizers, that Djokovic and Murray’s stint as teammates is taking place amid the tournament’s much-discussed coaching pods experiment. The new setup places coaches directly on court near the sidelines, giving them free rein to communicate with their players in real time.

“A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot,” Djokovic said, explaining that he was looking for Murray’s “feedback, his guidance and opinion” during tense moments.

“I enjoy talking to Andy,” he added. “I mean, he knows tennis as well as anybody out there. 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.”

Read More: FIRST LOOK: Novak Djokovic practices with new coach Andy Murray ahead of 2025 Australian Open

So what’s the verdict on Murray, who according to Eurosport’s Tim Henman watched “20 hours” of Basavareddy’s game in preparation for his debut as a coach? Despite their shared history, close proximity and “pod”-style setting, the partnership is an easy win for Djokovic.

“I think he was doing great today. He was standing up several times, trying to encourage me and support me,” said Djokovic, who will face Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round.

“I enjoyed it. I really did enjoy it. I think he's a great guy. It's a pleasure to have him in my corner.”