The Serbian star is chasing a 100th ATP Tour title, with Djokovic using the tournament as preparation for the Australian Open.

Andrea Petkovic thinks Djokovic will prioritise the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2025, with the 37-year-old also chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

In his bid to do that, he has hired former rival Andy Murray as his new coach, although they won’t be working together in Brisbane.

Novak Djokovic says what is ‘strange’ about being coached by Andy Murray

Djokovic and Murray met 36 times in ATP action before the latter retired this year, with the former winning 25 of those.

The Serbian has shared an insight into his decision to hire the Scot, with Djokovic saying in his Brisbane International press conference: “Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals.

“In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals. But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.

READ MORE: The match Novak Djokovic picked as the most ‘nerve-wracking’ of his entire career

“But the 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional.

“It doesn’t surprise me because I’ve known him so many years as a player and obviously it’s a new experience for him as a coach and it came somewhat as a surprise to him and me that we are pairing up as a coach [and] player.

“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.

“He has also played up to recently on the Tour, so he knows all the other best players currently in the world, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So I look forward to it, I really do.

“I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well.”

Will Andy Murray coach Novak Djokovic beyond the Australian Open?

All eyes will be on Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open next month given his current record-chasing situation.

He is a 10-time winner of the Grand Slam, more than any other player, but failed to win a major title in 2024.

READ MORE: What Andy Murray is set to do for ‘hours and hours’ after he agrees to coach Novak Djokovic

The Olympic gold medal did, of course, go his way in Paris, but the Serbian will be desperate to add to his stunning 24 Grand Slam titles this time around.

And while Murray will play a key role in any success in Melbourne next month, it remains to be seen how long they will work together for.

As per the ATP Tour website, the Scot spent 10 days with Djokovic in the off-season, while he will join the Serbian for a training week in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open.

Only after the Grand Slam will the former rivals decided whether or not they will continue their partnership, and if so, for how long.

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