Melbourne [Australia]: Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic kicked off his practice session for the Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday, alongside his new coach, former rival Andy Murray.
The Australian Open, which began on January 7, will run until January 26. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, had announced his collaboration with Murray as his coach in November, making this the first tournament where the two will work together as a player-coach duo.
This partnership follows Djokovic’s split with his previous coach, Goran Ivanisevic, in March. Djokovic, who is seeking his 25th major title and a record-extending 11th Australian Open victory, is also eyeing his 100th tour-level title. He recently participated in the Brisbane International but was defeated by Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals.
Both Djokovic and Murray were born a week apart in May 1987 and have both ascended to the top of the ATP rankings, with a longstanding rivalry. The two have faced off 36 times, with Djokovic winning 25 of those encounters. Murray, who retired from professional tennis in August after the Paris Olympics, now focuses on coaching.
The official Australian Open social media account shared a glimpse of Djokovic and Murray practicing together on Tuesday.
Djokovic is scheduled to find out his first-round Australian Open opponent on Thursday during the official draw.