Why shared values and a unique Australian Open history make Djokovic and Murray perfect partners in the hunt for history in Melbourne
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The roles are different but the stage is familiar for the newly-formed double act of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Melbourne in January was once a regular date, much to the dismay of the Scot. The Serb beat Dunblane’s finest in four finals of the Australian Open and in one semi-final.
![[Murray congratulates his rival after losing the first of their four Melbourne finals in 2011]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/11/21/93995023-0-image-a-150_1736632371475.jpg)
Yet Djokovic sees his one-time playing rival as crucial to achieving an historic grand-slam victory. So they meet again under an Australian sun. The rationale behind Djokovic’s belief in Murray’s coaching nous spans more than quarter of a century and involves shared values, differing personalities, early friendship, constant rivalry and an enduring respect.
![[Djokovic shakes Murray by the hand after prevailing in a hard-fought 2015 finale]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/11/21/93995021-0-image-a-151_1736632376155.jpg)
The pair first met on the junior circuit when they were both 11. They were both born in May 1987, with the Scot the older by a week. Their early experience was marked by trauma with Djokovic enduring the NATO bombing of Belgrade in 1999 and Murray surviving the Dunblane massacre in 1986 by hiding in the headmaster’s office with other pupils.
![[The pair have looked relaxed ahead of Djokovic's quest to land an 11th title Down Under]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/11/21/93995029-0-image-a-152_1736632391205.jpg)
Murray and Djokovic competing in the doubles at the Australian Open in 2006. Murray congratulates his rival after losing the first of their four Melbourne finals in 2011. Djokovic shakes Murray by the hand after prevailing in a hard-fought 2015 finale. Their careers have run side by side, with Djokovic pulling away to become the greatest tennis player of all time. Aesthetes may prefer Roger Federer, others may opt for Rafael Nadal, but the figures are compelling.
![[Murray is credited as one of the most studious players in the game]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/11/21/93995027-0-image-a-153_1736632406460.jpg)
