Andy Murray told Novak Djokovic to “show more energy” as the Serbian superstar lifted his game to get their new partnership off to a winning start.
The 10-time Australian Open champion dropped the opening set to American teenage wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy.
But Djokovic revealed the Scot gave him “some great advice mid match” from the new coaching pods in the Rod Laver Arena.
And his fellow 37-year-old responded to win 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 as he bids to win a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
“It’s all business now for us,” said Djokovic. “I am thrilled to have him in my corner. I must say it was a bit of a strange experience to have him courtside in my box.
“We played for over 20 years against each other at the highest level. We played I don’t know how many finals. Great to have him on the same side of the net. He gave me some great advice mid match. In the first set, I was probably a bit too passive from the back of the court. He was dictating the play.
“Seating which is basically on the court in the corner which allows me to hear them better.
“A few times I did approach Andy, asked him something about whatever it was, whatever shot. He was giving me his feedback, his guidance and opinion.
“I don’t need to do much explaining. He gets everything that I’m going through. In those moments on the court, it’s a big battle. He wants me to show the energy, to show the fist pump and everything to get myself going.
“I think he was doing great today. He was standing up several times, trying to encourage me and support me. I enjoyed it. I really did enjoy it.
“I think he’s a great guy. It’s a pleasure to have him in my corner. Hopefully we don’t stop here.”
Basavareddy, who started cramping in the second set of his Grand Slam debut, is such a Djokovic fan that he has his image as his WhatsApp picture. But the American felt he was taking on two Grand Slam champions with Murray sitting courtside.
“You try to focus on the court, but sometimes I go to my towel and I see him saying: ‘Let’s go, Novak’, and look over and it’s pretty crazy,” he said. “A lot of tonight was pretty crazy. It’s cool.”
