Novak Djokovic says hugging coach Andy Murray after beating Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open last eight was a "gesture of appreciation".
But Australian coach and strategist Craig O’Shannessy, who helped Djokovic claim four grand slam titles between 2017 and 2019, believes Murray’s appointment is proving a masterstroke.
Novak Djokovic’s first match with former rival Andy Murray as his coach turned into a first-round victory at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have known each other for a quarter of a century. They played from the age of 12, meeting 36 times as professionals, including 10 Grand Slam matches.
The Scot’s desire to succeed in his first coaching job may be his biggest contribution to the Serbian’s future.
Three-time tennis major champion Andy Murray knows what it feels like to lose to Novak Djokovic in a big final at a grand slam. Having retired from playing the game, Murray is now inside the Djokovic camp as his coach in what has been the most high-profile player-coach pairing in recent memory.
Djokovic is in the hunt for a record 25th grand slam title in Melbourne and brought in Murray to help him achieve that feat
It was perhaps legitimate to expect something more from Carlos Alcaraz in the big quarterfinal match of the 2025 Australian Open against Novak Djokovic. The young Spanish champion – who dreamed of winning the only Major title he still lacks – played a lackluster and very fluctuating match on the Rod Laver Arena against the ten-time champion of this tournament.
Novak Djokovic made the decision to miss another training session on Thursday amid rumours he could withdraw from the Australian Open. Djokovic, set for a semi-final showdown against Alexander Zverev on Friday, picked up a nasty left leg injury in his win over Carlos Alcaraz.
The Australian Open mens semi-finals take place on Friday, as defending champion Jannik Sinner plays showman Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic faces Alexander Zverev; watch the ATP and WTA Tours on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+,
Alarm bells are ringing for Novak Djokovic after he skipped practice for the second day in a row ahead of his Australian Open semi-final. The Serb is currently gearing up to face Alexander Zverev