“I was looking for that extra motivation; I definitely have it with Andy” – Novak Djokovic

Monday night at the Australian Open marked the first time Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were in action on the same side of the net, with the retired Brit recently joining his former rival’s camp as head coach.

Djokovic did as expected, dispatching Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round – albeit taking a little longer than he would have liked, with the 19-year-old claiming the opening set of the two-hour, 59-minute clash before falling 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

All eyes were on the synergy between Murray and Djokovic, however, magnified by the Australian Open’s new court-level seats for coaches.

After the match, Djokovic revealed that the new partnership is building nicely, and exactly what he needed at this stage of his career.

“I really like the feeling having Andy as my coach in the corner from this year,” he said.

“I enjoy talking to Andy. 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. He gets everything that I’m going through.”

Djokovic on communication with Murray

The Serbian confessed that he is not shy to ask the former world No 1 questions, and is leaning on his unique perspective behind the scenes.

“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,” he said. 

“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.

“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. 

“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 need, honestly. I was looking for that extra motivation. I definitely have it with Andy.”

Djokovic is seeking a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam trophy this month at Melbourne Park, where he will face Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria next in the second round.

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