MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — In a surprising turn of events, tennis legends Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have announced their collaboration as coach and player during the upcoming Australian Open. This marks the first time that the two former rivals, who have faced each other 36 times since they were 12 years old, are working together in this capacity.

Djokovic, currently preparing for his title defense, expressed initial apprehension about sharing personal insights with Murray. He commented, “It was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share the insights with him, not just about the game but about how I feel, about life in general." This openness marks a significant shift considering that both players have traditionally kept their strategies and feelings guarded due to their competitive careers, including ten Grand Slam matches contested between them.

The partnership, which originated from Djokovic’s decision to reach out to Murray in November, focused on preparing for the 2025 Australian Open, where Djokovic aims for his 11th title at the venue and 25th overall Grand Slam victory. Djokovic praised Murray's ability to quickly adapt to his new role and remarked, “I’m very pleasantly surprised with his dedication and professionalism, considering he’s never had the experience of working as a tennis coach.” Murray's keen tennis IQ and insights are viewed as assets for Djokovic as he gears up for the tournament.

Both former world No. 1 players, at 37 years old, share a storied history filled with fierce matches from 2006 to 2022. Notably, Murray stated humorously that his role might be to "sabotage [Djokovic's] chances of winning another one," referencing their competitive past. This light-hearted banter beneathlines the camaraderie that has developed over the years, even among fierce competitors.

Shortly before their inaugural match together, Djokovic maintained the importance of teamwork, reflecting on their brief yet productive time spent in preseason training. He noted that all competitive walls have come down, stating, "Now all cards are open on the table. That's what he demands." As both players head into this new chapter, fans will undoubtedly be watching their progress closely.

While Djokovic has chosen to keep some past controversies under wraps, including his comments about his health during a previous tournament, he remains focused on the upcoming matches. He concluded, “I would rather focus on the tennis” as he steps into the Australian Open with renewed collaboration alongside Murray.

In this one-of-a-kind partnership, tennis fans are eager to see the outcomes of this unexpected alliance, demonstrating that even the fiercest of rivals can find synergy in a shared goal.