The 2025 season was already shaping up to be exciting when Novak Djokovic announced that Andy Murray, the newly retired tennis legend and one of the Big Four, would coach him for the Australian Open. Murray had just retired from professional tennis in August, and Djokovic, who hadn’t clinched a title all of last season, surprised everyone with this announcement in November. The news sent shockwaves through the tennis community. However, it’s finally happening! Recently, the two were spotted training together at Rod Laver Arena, setting an exhilarating stage for the first major title of the year. While fans are eager to see the duo showcase their combined expertise, a renowned tennis insider doesn’t share that enthusiasm.

Nole began his season at the Brisbane International, where he played doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios, who was making his return after injuries to his wrist and ankle. Although Djokovic’s singles run ended in the quarter-finals against American Reilly Opelka, he maintained a positive outlook as he looked forward to working with Murray in the upcoming Grand Slam. As he had shared during the announcement, “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,”

However, Craig Shapiro, a tennis commentator and host of the Tennis Podcast, expressed his skepticism on X about this coaching partnership. He wrote, “It’s interesting, I feel like I am the only person that considers the Murray Joker ‘partnership’ an unserious hire. I guess we’ll see what’s what sooner than later.” Although Shapiro offered no explanation for his comments, one thing is clear: the true impact of this partnership will be revealed on January 12.

On Tuesday, Djokovic practiced with World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz and Andy Murray, who had missed Djokovic’s Brisbane campaign. Now part of Serb’s team for the Australian leg of the 2025 season, the Briton actively oversaw the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s training sessions in Melbourne.

The anticipation is building as top ATP players like Alcaraz and defending champion Jannik Sinner prepare for the fight at the Australian Open. How bright are the chances of Novak Djokovic, a 10-time champion? We will know shortly, but there’s something weighing on his mind as he gears up for this prestigious tournament.

Djokovic claims to ‘have some trauma’ from the 2022 Australian Open

It’s well-known that the Australian Open holds a special significance for Djokovic, as he has claimed 10 of his 24 major trophies in Melbourne. However, the memories of his controversial five-day stay at the Park Hotel in Carlton in 2022 still haunt him. Novak Djokovic‘s family even referred to that incident as the “greatest sporting and diplomatic scandal.” Upon arriving in Melbourne, Djokovic acknowledged that the unsettling experience continues to linger in his mind.

Three years ago, strict COVID-19 regulations required vaccination for entry into Australia. Novak Djokovic’s refusal to comply sparked a political firestorm, leading to his detention and eventual deportation by the Immigration Minister. This traumatic experience has had a lasting impact on him. In a recent interview with Melbourne’s Herald Sun, he candidly stated, “I have (some trauma) to be quite frank. The last couple of times that I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration — I had a bit of trauma from three years ago.”

Djokovic elaborated on his feelings while passing through passport control, saying, “Some traces still stay there when I’m passing passport control, just checking out if someone from the immigration zone is approaching. The person checking my passport — are they going to take me, detain me again, or let me go? I must admit I have that feeling,”

Despite this bitter memory, the Serb remains focused on the future. He stated, “I don’t hold any resentment to be honest. I don’t hold a grudge. I came like right away the year after in 2023 … and I won the Australian Open — it was my 22nd slam.”

As Djokovic prepares for this year’s tournament, he is looking for another moment of glory in Melbourne. Do you think Djokovic will clinch his 11th Australian Open title later this month? Share your thoughts in the comments below!