Amritraj: We won’t see benefits of Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray coaching relationship until later in Australian Open

Novak Djokovic played his first match with former rival Andy Murray in the coaching box at the 2025 Australian Open; did it live up to the hype?

“I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to hear more of the interactions and exchanges,” said Jon Werthim on Tennis Channel Live. “Maybe Andy Murray had really sage advice.”

Wertheim argued Murray should be mic’d up the way coaches are at the US Open.

“At the US Open we almost hear too much,” conceded Lindsay Davenport, “but at the Australian Open, we’re not hearing anything.”

Whatever Murray said, Djokovic was able to hear him just fine.

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. Novak Djokovic

“I really like the feeling having Andy as my coach in the corner from this year,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference.

“A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion. It's important. 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.

“I don't need to do much explaining. He gets everything that I'm going through. In those moments on the court, it's a big battle. Of course, he wants me to show the energy, to show the fist pump and everything to get myself going. I think he was doing great today. He was standing up several times, trying to encourage me and support me. I enjoyed it. I really did enjoy it. I think he's a great guy. It's a pleasure to have him in my corner.”

Nor did the support hinder Djokovic’s chances of winning an 11th title Down Under: the former world No. 1 ultimately edged past American Nishesh Basavareddy, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the second round.

“It was awesome to see Novak and Murray interact,” added Davenport. “I thought Novak was solid. He played a very good player who was playing well above his ranking, and he needed to come through. He was able to do that.”

While Murray will be back in the box to support Djokovic in his next match against Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria, Prakash Amritraj predicts fans will see the full effect of this unique coach-pupil dynamic when the 24-time Grand Slam champion has to face the likes of Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz—the latter could be his quarterfinal opponent.

If you’re Novak, you want to be tested a little bit because he hasn’t played that many matches. But you also don’t want to waste too much energy in the first part of the event. I thought it was a match he finished much stronger than he started. Prakash Amritraj

“Novak’s probably not going to struggle with his first several opponents, but if things get a little bit stickier, let’s see how this is able to play out.”

Still, the early challenge from Basavareddy, a 19-year-old who played college tennis at Stanford University, may be just what Djokovic needed to kick off his campaign for his first major title since 2023.

“If you’re Novak, you want to be tested a little bit because he hasn’t played that many matches. But you also don’t want to waste too much energy in the first part of the event. I thought it was a match he finished much stronger than he started.”

The Djokovic-Murray duo will be back in action on Wednesday.