WATCH: Djokovic Reacts To Coach Murray Choosing Alcaraz As His Favorite Athlete
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Novak Djokovic seems to be enjoying having Andy Murray as a coach at the Australian Open. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion discovered the Briton had called Carlos Alcaraz his favorite athlete.
The Australian Open is Murray's first tournament working with Djokovic. He was only officially appointed his coach until the end of the tournament in Melbourne, but an extension to their partnership afterward was not ruled out.
Murray was courtside for Djokovic's victory in the opening round against Nishesh Basavareddy. The ten-time Australian Open champion had a discussion with his coach after losing the first set before recovering to progress.
Djokovic and Murray's communication during the match was consistent with what was seen during a practice set the Serbian played against Alcaraz a few days before the opening Grand Slam of 2025 began. They talked consistently during changeovers about several topics.
After high-quality and intense practice from both men, Djokovic prevailed 7-5 after serving better in the crucial moments. That resembled their Olympic gold medal match, which the 37-year-old won 7-6, 7-6, after a serving masterclass.
Murray's passionate reactions to Djokovic winning important matches in the first round against Basavareddy show how much he wants his former rival to succeed under his guidance. The two-time Wimbledon champion is taking the job seriously.
Djokovic having Murray firmly in his corner is a dramatic turnaround from when he beat his former rival in four Australian Open finals. Murray recently joked that he had become a coach to sabotage his chances of winning an 11th title at the event.
Djokovic was not Murray's favorite tennis player before they started their partnership. Last year's Wimbledon runner-up discovered this during an interview with Eurosport's Laura Robson, which can be viewed below.
Robson asked Djokovic to guess who Murray described as his favorite athlete during the Paris Olympics. She revealed that it was not Djokovic himself, but the Serbian said he already knew that.
Murray is known for being passionate about gender equality in sports. That led to Djokovic asking if it was a female athlete. Robson replied that it was not, meaning he had to think about his answer again.
The former ATP world No. 1 then incorrectly guessed Rafael Nadal. Robson assisted him by revealing it was a current player, which led to Djokovic correctly guessing that Murray chose Alcaraz as his favorite athlete.
Luckily for Murray, Djokovic took no offense. He deliberately feigned anger and said they would need to have a chat before smiling and saying he understood why Murray felt that way and that it was before they started working together.
"That's his favorite athlete? Andy, we have to have a chat. (smiles) I do understand, I do understand. That was before he accepted to work with me. You need to ask him the question again!"
While Murray, like millions of tennis fans, enjoys watching Alcaraz, he is clearly determined to help Djokovic succeed. Their partnership has brought even more attention than usual to the ten-time champion's matches at the Australian Open.
