PA MediaAndy Murray admits coaching is more demanding than he expected but he believes he can help Novak Djokovic win more grand-slam titles.
Murray will get a first taste of life on the other side during a match on Monday when Djokovic takes on young American Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round of the Australian Open.
The 10-time Melbourne champion is in the unfamiliar position of being seeded down in seventh after failing to win a grand-slam title in 2024 for the first time in seven years.
The only title claimed by Djokovic last year was one he had been chasing his whole career, with the Serbian defeating Carlos Alcaraz to clinch an emotional Olympic gold medal in Paris.
It was a reminder that Djokovic may still have a big say in what looks set to be the era of Alcaraz, who he could meet in the quarter-finals here, and Jannik Sinner.
Hiring his former great rival Murray was another sign that Djokovic is still searching for an extra edge, and the Scot said: “In my opinion, from watching his matches last year, there was at times a little bit missing, but there wasn’t at the Olympics, and also at Wimbledon.
“I think the injury around the French Open time right ahead of the Olympic Games probably focused his attention and how important those next few months were.
“When he was fully motivated and fully focused, he won the Olympics, which is an incredible achievement. I think it was only natural after that for there to be a bit of a letdown, because he’d set himself really one target and one goal for the year and he did that.
The 37-year-old has also gained new insights into the different demands of coaching that he was not aware of as a player.
Murray said of Djokovic: “He’s been unbelievably open, and the communication when we’ve been on court with each other and away from the court has been really, really good.
“I think the first couple of days it was a bit strange, and it was a bit different. But both of us have been trying to encourage that communication, and try and build that trust.
“And with frustrations on court and stuff. I totally understand that side of things for him. I’m here to try and help him as best as I can.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
