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Andy Murray says what has really surprised him about Novak Djokovic since he started coaching him at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks with his coach, Andy Murray, against Nishesh Basavareddy of the United States in the Men's Singles First Round matc...
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic is all set for a mouthwatering quarter-final with Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open, with Andy Murray doing his due diligence from the coaching hub.

In shocking news, it was announced last year that Murray would coach Djokovic at the Australian Open – and possibly beyond should things go well.

It’s very much a case of so far so good for the Serbian hero. Djokovic praised Nishesh Basavareddy after his opening match – but he still came through with relative ease.

Since then Jaime Faria, Tomas Machac and Jiri Lehecka have all been comprehensively beaten and now a repeat of the Wimbledon final awaits for Djokovic against Alcaraz.

It’s been fascinating to see Murray take his first steps into coaching. He’s been in the courtside pods that are in use for the first time at the Australian Open along with other members of Djokovic’s team.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to the crowd against Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic in the Men's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight ...
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Andy Murray shares what’s really surprised him about Novak Djokovic

With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name and 10 of those coming at the Australian Open, it’s perhaps a surprise that Djokovic decided to even bother with a coach for this tournament.

He clearly felt that getting Murray on board had its benefits, however, and the recently retired Great Britain star is bringing something to the table when it comes to helping Djokovic.

Speaking on Australian radio station, Fox Radio, Murray has shared something that he felt surprised him when he first started working with Djokovic ahead of the tournament.

He said: “I think when we spoke on the phone the main thing that he felt like I could help him with was match strategy. Because I didn’t have the biggest game or anything, that was my strength. And also the advantage of having played against a lot of the players that you’ll be competing against was another.

“I think also just knowing his game so well. I played against him over 30 times in the biggest matches, so the understanding of what his strengths are when he is playing his best and what makes him so hard to play against, but also maybe what some of his weaknesses are. There is not loads for him to work on, he’s pretty good! But there are a few things maybe I can help him with in that aspect as well, which makes up for my lack of experience as a coach.

“I think the thing that has surprised me a little bit about it, is how open he has been and how much he has wanted that feedback. He wants to hear all of my views and opinions on him.

“I am not saying he agrees with everything I am saying but he is willing to listen and learn and still wants to get better, which makes sense. You don’t achieve what he has done if you are very close-minded. But for me, it has been a little bit surprising.”

Murray can help Djokovic achieve Grand Slam dream

It’s a fascinating combination to see Murray step into coaching with arguably the greatest player to have ever played the game so soon after calling time on his own career.

However, the move does appear a shrewd one. Murray does know the players he’s coming up against and it does feel like it could prove to be a bit of a masterstroke for Djokovic.

The Serb would dearly love to lay claim to at least one more Grand Slam title but with Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner playing superb tennis, the chances of him doing that are growing slimmer.

Djokovic has the chance to test himself against Alcaraz once again tomorrow. With Murray watching the clips and relaying the information, the 37-year-old has every chance of causing an upset.

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