Djokovic: "Murray knows the evolution of my game, the weak and strong points"

Novak Djokovic makes an appearance at the 2025 Australian Open Media Day to discuss various current topics. The Serbian arrives in Melbourne as one of the favorites for the title, although facing tougher competition with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, or even Daniil Medvedev. The world number 7 explains in a press conference how he feels marking 20 years since his first time at the tournament, talks about his collaboration with Andy Murray, and analyzes his first opponent.

20 years since his first participation in the Australian Open

"It's been a good number of years coming to Australia, the place where I've had the most success in Grand Slam events. In 2005, it was the first time I qualified for a Grand Slam and played against Marat Safin on the center court. It was a very quick match for me. He later won the tournament, but it was a unique experience that allowed me to dream big and continue believing that someday I could win a Slam. Three years later, I won my first Grand Slam on the same court. Those are precious memories. I always try to relive those moments. It's a pleasure to return," Djokovic told the media.

What do you expect from your collaboration with Murray?

"It's a pleasure to have Andy as a coach. I was thinking about the names I'd like to have by my side for this season. I wanted someone who had won several Grand Slams. The list is not very long. Someone who truly understands what it means to win a Slam, to face adversity, pressure, expectations. Andy had just finished his professional playing career six months ago. It was a surprise to him when I called, but I believe his tennis IQ is very high. We all know that.

The first time we faced each other was when we were 12 years old. He knows the evolution of my game, I suppose my strengths and weaknesses. He also knows the game of the most important players in the world right now because he has just retired as a player. Until recently, he was training and playing against the best in the world, so he is up to date with what's happening on the circuit. We are still getting to know each other on the court. He motivates me, truly inspires me to spend time on the court. We communicate a lot, talk about many different things."

About Nishesh, his first opponent in Melbourne

"Honestly, I don't know much about him. I saw him play for the first time yesterday. I think he's currently playing in the semifinals of the tournament in New Zealand. I saw that he's very quick, a player with a lot of talent. He has good hands and is very dynamic. He serves well, hits shots. A very complete game overall. He doesn't have much to lose."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic: "Murray conoce la evolución de mi juego, los puntos débiles y fuertes"