A leading tennis expert had pinpointed the benefits that Novak Djokovic was enjoying with Andy Murray as his coach before his shock retirement from the Australian Open on Friday. Djokovic called it quits after dropping the first set against Alexander Zverev,

MELBOURNE, Australia — 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 . Yet they’ve never been able to talk shop and freely trade all sorts of thoughts — about tennis and otherwise — until now.

Novak Djokovic was left feeling embarrassed as he was put on the spot in a quiz about his new coach, Andy Murray. The 24-time Major champion recently added his old rival to his team and Murray has joined him in Melbourne for the Australian Open.

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.

Novak Djokovic and his new coach, Andy Murray, are taking advantage of a new setup at the Australian Open that gives players' entourages a chance to sit right next to the court in special four-seat pods.

Former British tennis pro Alex Ward has a close relationship with current stars of the game and has shaken off his initial shock at Andy Murray beginning to coach Novak Djokovic

The Serbian star, who has won the tournament 10 times, faces American Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round on Monday.

Novak Djokovic got the bright idea to hire the recently retired Andy Murray as his coach, at least through the Australian Open.