Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will partner up at the Australian Open as the former looks to claim a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
Murray, who retired earlier this year, will coach the legendary Serbian in a surprising move which Eurosport expert Tim Henman has been left “intrigued” by.
“I’m definitely intrigued,” he added. “That’s why I want to see Djokovic struggle a little bit in those early matches so that there’s a bit of tension, a bit of adversity, hopefully a bit of shouting and screaming at the box.
“And we can see how Andy Murray deals with it being on the receiving end. But it’s going to be fun to watch.”
Henman may want to see Djokovic struggle for the entertainment value, but realistically he feels that Djokovic has made a “smart” move in appointing the 37-year-old.
“Andy’s decision to coach Djokovic certainly took me by surprise,” he told Eurosport. “When I saw it on the internet, I had to check the date, whether it was an April Fools [joke].
“But no, I think it’s a smart move from Djokovic, because Andy’s played against all those opponents that Djokovic is going to be up against. Andy’s always been a great tactician, so I’m sure that fresh input can motivate Djokovic.
“And from Andy’s point of view, having just retired in August, I was surprised that he wants to get back on the road that quickly. But only time will tell how the relationship evolves.”
Wilander on what Murray will bring to Djokovic’s game and how it could test their relationship
Video credit: Eurosport
Murray is a five-time Australian Open finalist, but the three-time Grand Slam winner never got over the line in Melbourne.
Coaching Djokovic may be his last chance to succeed in the Australian capital, and Henman thinks his reason for getting straight back into the thick of the action so soon after retirement could be because it’s “too good an opportunity to turn down”.
The English player-turned-pundit continued: “At the end of the day, Andy’s the one that’s got to answer that question, what was the motivation?
“But I always felt that he would go into coaching. I didn’t think it would be this quick, but when you get the opportunity to work with one of the greatest players in the history of our sport, then perhaps he viewed it as too good an opportunity to turn down.
“So, as I said, fascinated to hear about the off-season when they’re practising in Spain and then going into the Australian Open to see how the relationship evolves.
“It just adds another great storyline around the Australian Open in 2025.”
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