Andy Murray says what was 'strange' in his first two days coaching Novak Djokovic as he admits some surprising things have happened

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic finally get their coaching venture underway this week as the Serbian takes on the Australian Open.

Djokovic has been handed a ‘brutal’ Australian Open draw, with his quest for glory beginning against American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy.

Footage emerged of Murray coaching Djokovic in Melbourne, with the latter looking for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title.

The two former ATP number ones have come together after the retirement of Murray, who is just one week older than Djokovic.

They have gone from rivals to forming a partnership in Australia, where Djokovic can also win a record 25th Grand Slam title.

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Andy Murray says initial communication with Novak Djokovic was ‘strange’

It has only been a brief experience so far for the Scot, which he has now admitted has taken a little bit of time to get used to.

“He’s been unbelievably open, and the communication when we’ve been on court with each other and away from the court has been really, really good,” Murray said of Djokovic, as quoted by Sky Sports.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic says he has one more goal at the Australian Open before he retires

“I think the first couple of days it was a bit strange, and it was a bit different. But both of us have been trying to encourage that communication, and try and build that trust.

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“And with frustrations on court and stuff. I totally understand that side of things for him. I’m here to try and help him as best as I can.

“It’s obviously been fascinating and interesting. There’s been some things that have been surprising but I expected him to be an extremely hard worker, very intense and always keen to learn, questioning lots of things, and wanting to get better.”

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Novak Djokovic surprises fans with Andy Murray and Nick Kyrgios pairings

Murray knows all about progressing to the latter stages of the Australian Open, having reached five finals in his stunning career.

Remarkably, however, he lost four of those to Djokovic, but did manage to beat the Serbian in US Open and Wimbledon finals.

They will have certainly had their differences over the years, but those must now be put aside in a bid to help the ATP number seven clinch further career success.

It will be fascinating to see how the relationship plays out over the coming days, with fans set to be eager for Djokovic and Murray to enjoy a deep run in Melbourne.

READ MORE: The history-making Australian Open match which Novak Djokovic once admitted was the greatest win of his career

The Serbian has been full of surprises of late, having teamed up with another former rival in Nick Kyrgios to play doubles at the Brisbane International.

It remains to be seen how long he will last with Murray, and indeed how and if the Scot continues on his coaching path, but the current moment must be enjoyed by both and all of those watching on.

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