Novak Djokovic stood with his hands on his hips, listening intently to Andy Murray — his longtime on-court rival and now, stunningly, his coach at the Australian Open — between sets at Rod Laver Arena.

After dropping his opening set at the Australian Open to Nishesh Basavareddy, Noavk Djokovic eventually asserted himself for a victory to begin his bid for an 11th championship at Melbourne Park and a record 25th major title overall.

Novak Djokovic has admitted he doesn’t want his tennis rivals to pick up on Andy Murray ’s coaching advice while the Briton is in a courtside pod at the Australian Open. Up to four coaches are now allowed to sit in the specialised pods, which are located at the corner of the courts at Melbourne Park.