Novak Djokovic praises Murray ahead of Australian Open campaign

Novak Djokovic has confessed that it is “strange” to be on the same side of the net as Andy Murray, with the Serbian hiring his former rival as head coach for the Australian Open this year.

“Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals,” Djokovic said on Sunday in Brisbane.

“In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals.

“But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.”

Djokovic had a challenging season in 2024, failing to win a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017 and clearly struggling with motivation at times.

In a shock move this November, the 37-year-old announced the addition of Murray to his team, with the Brit having just retired as a player in August.

While Murray is not with Djokovic as he competes at the Brisbane International this week, the two have already spent 10 days training together, which Djokovic spoke highly of.

“The 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it,” he said.

“He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional.

“It doesn’t surprise me because I’ve known him so many years as a player.

“Obviously it’s a new experience for him as a coach and it came somewhat as a surprise to him and me that we are pairing up as a coach and player.

“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had.

“He knows the pros and cons of my game.

“He has also played up to recently on the Tour, so he knows all the other best players currently in the world, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game.

“So I look forward to it, I really do.

“I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court.

“But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well.”

Djokovic’s Brisbane International campaign gets underway on Tuesday, when the top seed takes on Aussie Rinky Hijikata.

He is heavily favoured to beat Hijikata across all top tennis bookmakers, with Neds putting him at just $1.06 to prevail.

The Serbian is a strong favourite to claim his 100th ATP title in Brisbane as well.

Tennis betting sites have him at $1.83 to lift the trophy, well ahead of next favourite Grigor Dimitrov ($8.50).

He remains on the third line of betting heading into the Australian Open, which starts on Sunday, January 12, paying $4.50 behind Jannik Sinner ($2.50) and Carlos Alcaraz ($4.33).

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