Andy Murray admits coaching is more demanding than he imagined but believes he can help Novak Djokovic win more Grand Slam titles.

Murray will get his first taste of life on Monday when Djokovic takes on American youngster Nishish Basavareddy in the first round of the Australian Open.

The ten-time Melbourne champion is now in an unfamiliar position: exiting as the seventh seed after failing to win a Grand Slam title in 2024 for the first time in seven years.

Djokovic’s only title last year was one he has chased his entire career, as the Serbian defeated Carlos Alcaraz to capture a thrilling Olympic gold in Paris.

It was a reminder that Djokovic, who could meet Janik Sinner in the quarterfinals here, may still have a big say in the upcoming Alcaraz era.

Djokovic admitted it felt strange at first to open up to someone he had previously sought every advantage from, and Murray felt the same way.

The 37-year-old also gained new insights into the different demands of coaching, something he didn’t realize as a player.

Murray said of Djokovic: “He’s unbelievably open and we communicate very, very well on and off the court.

“I think the first few days were a little weird and a little different. But both of us have been trying to encourage that communication and try to build that trust.

“The frustrations on the court and all that. I totally understand that side of him. I’m here to help him in any way I can.

“It’s obviously fascinating and interesting. Some things are surprising, but I expected him to be a very hard worker, very passionate, always keen to learn, question a lot of things and want to get better.

“I sometimes find that coaches can be a little more demanding than I expected.

“I think when you’re a player you only see what you do on the pitch and you’re not involved in all the conversations you have with the team every day, talking about how you feel, or what it is that you have to do What, as well as strategy and preparation for the game.

“But, obviously, as a coach and as a team member, the days look a little different. And, yeah, it’s demanding.”

The hiring of his former great rival Murray is another sign that Djokovic is still looking for that extra edge, with the Scot saying: “In my opinion, from watching him play last year, there was something missing at times, But not at the Olympics, not at Wimbledon.

“I think the injury at Roland Garros just before the Olympics probably focused his attention and the importance of the next few months.

“When he was fully motivated and focused, he won the Olympics, which was an incredible achievement. I think it was natural to be a little disappointed after that because he set himself a real goal and A goal this year, he achieved it.

“He achieved the last thing he thought he needed to do at the Olympics. So for me and his team, it’s about trying to find the motivation to keep going and strive for more.

“Novak has cemented himself over the past few years as the best tennis player of all time, certainly the best of his generation, with the record he has achieved. Over the next few years, I think he An athlete who may have had reason to claim to be the best tennis player ever.

“But I think if he can go out there at 38, 39 and win more Grand Slams and beat Alcaraz and Sinner in big tournaments, he has the right to be the best athlete of all time. , I think it’s exciting for me and his team to be a part of.”

What’s coming to Sky Sports Tennis?

• ABN AMRO Rotterdam Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
• Dallas Open (ATP 500) – February 3-9
• Delray Beach Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• IEB+ Argentina Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• The 13th Provence Open (ATP 250) – February 10-16
• Transylvania Open (WTA 250) – February 3-9
• Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (WTA 500) – February 3-8
• Qatar TotalEnergies Open (WTA 1000) – February 9-15
• Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship (WTA 1000) – February 16-22

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