When Novak Djokovic rang Andy Murray in the middle of a round of golf to ask the former No.1 to be his coach, the Serbian champion was very clear about why. “He wanted an opponent to coach him,” Murray says. “I was shocked, obviously. I had no interest in doing any coaching at that moment. I’d retired. I was really enjoying my home life.

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.

Novak Djokovic has been pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of new coach Andy Murray in the leadup to the Australian Open but said sharing his deepest thoughts with his former rival had initially been a challenge.