While Djokovic has not practised at Melbourne Park since beating Alcaraz, there have been plenty of chances over the fortnight to see how the team dynamic works.

During a warm-up hit with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley before the quarter-final, Murray watched every movement intently from behind the baseline.

When the session wrapped up, Djokovic embraced Murray before the pair – to the delight of the several hundred watching – had a quick knock on court.

A couple of gentle rallies ended when Djokovic, rather brutally given Murray’s fitness issues, brought out a drop-shot which the Scot dutifully chased down.

Then it was back to collecting Djokovic’s racquets and taking them to the stringer.

“When I saw Andy walking through the corridors with all Novak’s racquets, taking them to the stringer, you could see he is taking this job very seriously,” Australian former world number four Sam Stosur told Channel Nine.

Djokovic’s pre-tournament practice sessions against Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Arthur Fils offered more insight.

Standing close behind Djokovic and sometimes in the doubles alley, Murray constantly offered feedback, shouted praise after winners and made notes.

He also compared observations with Boris Bosnjakovic, who ran Djokovic’s training centre in Belgrade before becoming part of the team last May after long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic left.

“It’s about making small changes to things and trying to help him and improve with the whole team,” Murray said.