“I’m looking forward to starting the season together with Andy and having him by my side in Melbourne,” 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic said last year, announcing longtime rival and friend Andy Murray as his new trainer. At 37, Djoker is seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title this season and the Australian Open is his golden opportunity. Not to mention he’s on the brink of clinching 11 AO trophies as well. But can he achieve his target with Murray by his side? Roger Federer’s ex-coach has now commented on what the player-coach duo really needs to do to make this partnership work.

Djokovic, who’s nearly four months shy of turning 38, wants to play more tennis and win a few more titles. He must be eager to go past Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slams. Probably that’s the reason he may have chosen Murray to help him achieve this milestone. The three-time Major winner also made it clear last year. “I’ll be joining Novak’s team during the preparation period, helping him prepare for the Australian Open. I’m really excited about it and I am looking forward to being on the same side of the net for a change. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to help him achieve his goals,” the Scot said.

Federer’s ex-trainer and former World No.1 Stefen Edberg believes their association needs to be strong. Especially for Djokovic to keep creating magic on the court, the way he has in 21 years of his career.

Yes, he’s aging but “You can never count him out if everything goes right,” Edberg said, talking to BBC on Tuesday. “My personal view is his best chance is the Australian Open or possibly Wimbledon, with all the experience he has on grass.” he added. Further, he highlighted the aspect both Djokovic and Murray should focus on for desired results. Edberg believes the 10-time AO winner can add one more trophy to his cabinet. And with just a few months away from tennis, since retirement, the Scot can help in making effective strategies.

“Murray basically goes straight off the tour so he has all the knowledge of the players who play today,” he said. “But most of all for Novak I think it’s to create some inspiration, some motivation going forward. Small things can make a difference, whether it’s tactically, mentally, preparing for a match, or doing things in your free time,” added the six-time Grand Slam champion.

But how’s their time, together, before the Australian Open actually going? Well, now we know!

Andy Murray reveals practice sessions with Novak Djokovic days before the Australian Open 2025

On Tuesday, eager fans got to see Murray and Djokovic together for the first time since the announcement of their player-coach collaboration. “I’m excited to have one of my greatest rivals in my team, on the same side of the net, this time as my coach,” he said back in November 2024.

The two were seen at the Margaret Court Arena on January 7. The tennis GOAT engaged in a practice match with former World No.1 and four-time Major winner Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic won this encounter with a scoreline of 7-5. On the other hand, his Scottish trainer was standing by the court’s side, observing his movement and overall stroke-making skills.

Last week, in his first ATP event of this season, Novak Djokovic had to face a shocking defeat. At the Brisbane International, the Serbian managed to reach the QF round. However, he faced an upset at the hands of 171-ranked Reilly Opelka. The young American talent eliminated him after winning with a scoreline of 7-6(6), 6-3. But one can never rule Djoker out especially going into the first Major hard-court tournament of the season.

In 2024, he missed out on reaching his 25th Grand Slam title. Jannik Sinner beat him 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 in the SF round. Will he succeed in claiming the record milestone and an eleventh AO title this time? What are your thoughts on his chances in Melbourne? Let us know in the comments below.