Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray’s partnership debut at the season-opening Slam in Melbourne is around the corner and fans are thrilled to see a feisty cocktail in action. The former World No. 1 kicked off the 2025 season at the Brisbane International. He even joined forces with his ‘bromance’ half Nick Kyrgios for a doubles blockbuster there. However, he faced an early exit from the doubles lineup in the second round and later, lost to American Reilly Opelka in the singles quarterfinal. Having spent 10 days training on-court with Murray during the offseason in Marbella, the duo has locked onto the challenging target in Melbourne. But what made Murray come out of his retirement and coach anyone but his arch-rival?

Ahead of the hardcourt Slam, the duo featured in a pre-tournament presser at Melbourne Park where Murray, who bid farewell to his illustrious career following his Olympic exit in Paris, told the reporters how he had just spoken to his golf playing partner on the prospect of coaching saying, “Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse to do right now”, but then “30 minutes later” when Nole came knocking, his wife encouraged the team up.

“My wife was very supportive of it. I was actually going to be in Australia anyway for a few days during the tournament. She was surprised, obviously, that he’d asked me, but she was really supportive of it.”,” Murray, who was unable to join Djokovic at the warm-up tournament in Brisbane last week because of a family skiing holiday, said. But this is only one side of the story!

In an interview on “A Night with Novak,” highly-anticipated charity event scheduled for Thursday, January 9, Djokovic shared how he “begged” Murray to join his coaching team.

“The way it happened is that I begged him,” the 10-time Australian Open winner said. “I said ‘Andy, please be my coach’. Then we agreed and we spent a good eight, nine days of the preparation period in December, and then he advised me that he’s going to have a first family skiing trip, and it’s going to be the first time he’s going to get on the skis. So I was worried. I just said, ‘Andy, please come in one piece to Australia’.”

Well, Murray is indeed pumped to showcase what they’ve been cooking in Melbourne, and he is ready to face a possible downside to partnering with Nole. 

Andy Murray is ready to be on the receiving end of Novak Djokovic’s outbursts

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic’s fiery on-court demeanor needs no explaining. Ivanisevic openly acknowledged the challenges of coaching Djokovic, including his demanding behavior during intense matches. Murray, known for his own on-court outbursts, will undoubtedly face a unique test as he transitions from player to coach, particularly given the scrutiny from his former coaches.

“Of course I’ve thought about it,” said the 37-year-old, who told a small group of reporters at Melbourne Park that he expects his reaction to be one of empathy.

He further added, “I would think that I’d be one of the people that would maybe hopefully understand that side of things. I know it’s not easy out there, and it’s stressful, and at times he’s going to want to vent towards his team and his box. Provided that he’s giving his best effort and trying as hard as he can, I’m absolutely fine with him expressing himself how he wants.”

Djokovic will launch his quest for a record-extending 25th Major at the Australian Open starting January 12 at Melbourne Park.