Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray faced each other 36 times throughout their tennis careers, mostly in finals and often at the business end of a grand slam. But at this year’s Australian Open, their decades-long rivalry has taken an unexpected turn.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have started their on-court preparations at the Australian Open ahead of the Serbian’s bid for a 25th grand slam title this month. Djokovic has said former rival Murray will bring a “fresh look” and “unique perspective” as his coach as he seeks to win a record-exending 11th Australian Open.

A significant change in tennis rules for 2025 has made Novak Djokovic 's hiring of Andy Murray a stroke of genius. Players can now receive 'brief and discreet instructions between points and during changeovers' from their corner. And none of Djokovic's rivals have a brainbox like Murray in their box.