Novak Djokovic's relationship with new coach Andy Murray will be one of the most high-profile parts of the 2025 Australian Open. Tim Henman looks forward to watching what happens if and when Djokovic becomes irritated at his team.
Murray and Djokovic shared one of the 21st century's best tennis rivalries. They competed in seven Grand Slam finals, with the Serbian winning five of them and all four Australian Open finals.
Unfortunately, Murray could not compete with Djokovic anymore after sustaining a severe hip injury in 2017. He kept playing until this year's Olympics, but the Briton never came close to reaching the level that saw him win three Grand Slams.
Initially, it seemed like Murray would step away from tennis for a considerable period. The 37-year-old admitted he did not miss tennis as much as expected and enjoyed being home more often.
However, the opportunity to work with Djokovic was unique and unexpected. Tennis fans were stunned when the 24-time Grand Slam champion appointed Murray as his coach until at least the end of the Australian Open.
Djokovic thinks Murray is the perfect choice because he can relate to the pressure of playing on the most significant stages and how challenging that can be. He was also an excellent tactician in his playing career.
Although Djokovic is a humble person who always respects opponents, the former ATP World No. 1 can become fiery on the court and shout at umpires, members of the crowd, or his team in the stands.
That is another area where Murray can relate to Djokovic. The two-time Wimbledon champion rarely had outbursts at umpires or fans but repeatedly shouted towards his box, especially during the years when he challenged for Grand Slams.
Although Murray can relate to Djokovic's fiery personality, it will still be interesting to see how he reacts if his formal rival directs anger toward him during a match, especially if it is a significant match like a Grand Slam semifinal or final.
Speaking to Eurosport, former British No. 1 Henman is looking forward to observing how the pair will manage Djokovic's outbursts and did not rule out Murray shouting first during any heated moments.
"Who’s going to shout at who? I’m definitely intrigued. That’s why I want to see Djokovic struggle a little bit in those early matches so that there’s a bit of tension, a bit of adversity, hopefully a bit of shouting and screaming at the box."
"And we can see how Andy Murray deals with it being on the receiving end. But it’s going to be fun to watch. But I always felt that he would go into coaching."
"I didn’t think it would be this quick, but when you get the opportunity to work with one of the greatest players in the history of our sport, then perhaps he viewed it as too good an opportunity to turn down."
"So, as I said, fascinated to hear about the off-season when they’re practising in Spain and then going into the Australian Open to see how the relationship evolves. It just adds another great storyline around the Australian Open in 2025."