Novak Djokovic gives verdict on Andy Murray’s coaching – as pair manage winning start in Serbian’s tricky comeback against teenager at Australian Open

‘He cares a lot and he’s putting a lot of energy into trying to make me feel good on the court. I think that’s what I need, honestly. I was looking for that extra motivation.

‘To be honest I’ve never seen him play up to three or four days ago, I didn’t know much about him,’ said Djokovic. ‘These matches are always tricky, always dangerous, he had nothing to lose. Very complete player, he pleasantly surprised me with his shots and his fighting spirit.

Djokovic is a passionate man and will need to see Murray gee him up more than he did

At the start of the second set with the match in the balance, Djokovic gave Murray the first dose of his own medicine, with a shout, a shrug and a splay of the arms towards his coaches. There was even a ‘chatting’ gesture, as if asking for the new man to ramp up the advice.

As plush and padded as the Australian Open’s new coaching pods are, Andy Murray was not always sitting comfortably on his dugout debut.

Andy Murray’s coaching career got off to a winning start – but Novak Djokovic had to come from behind against teenager Nishesh Basavareddy

All sweetness and light after the match but this was a sticky start for Djokovic that could have got stickier had his opponent’s physical condition not deteriorated.

At times Murray looked uneasy under the glare in the Australian Open coaching pod 

But there were plenty of fist pumps exchanged and a couple of times Djokovic approached for a chat. After the match Djokovic gave a positive appraisal of his latest employee.

Read MoreEXCLUSIVE What makes Andy Murray the perfect teacher – and why even Novak Djokovic has a lot to learn from him

Djokovic is a passionate man and as this relationship develops, and as the stakes become higher at this event, he will need Murray to gee him up more than he did on Monday night.

‘I really like the feeling of having Andy as my coach. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion.

The teenager was playing his idol on Monday – his WhatsApp profile picture is of Djokovic – but to this observer Basavareddy’s game was more reminiscent of the Scotsman. One drop-shot-lob combination was strikingly Murray-esque.

‘He’s a great guy. It’s a pleasure to have him in my corner.’

Murray started off quiet but became well-invested in the clash and Djokovic said he appreciated the support 

So what kind of a figure did Murray cut on the bench? He was certainly on the Ivan Lendl side of the spectrum, doing a passable impression of an Easter Island statue in the first set.

‘He was doing great today. He was standing up several times, trying to encourage and support me. I really did enjoy it.

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