Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic 'grateful' for coach Andy Murray after beating Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne

After a heartfelt roar, came a tender embrace. Novak Djokovic's emotions erupted after defeating Carlos Alcaraz to advance to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. This victory defied previous predictions, logic, and expectations, making it particularly thrilling.

Djokovic, beaming with joy and relief, went straight to his coach, Andy Murray, burying his head in the Briton's chest. This celebration between former rivals and now colleagues occurred after Murray's first major success in his coaching role.

"It's a gesture of gratitude and respect for him being here, he didn't have to be," said the 37-year-old Djokovic, born in May 1987, a week after Murray. "He accepted to work with me, he's fully invested in supporting me, the team, and trying to make things work."

When 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic announced the hiring of the recently retired Murray as his new coach in November, it felt like a joke. But for both of them, there's nothing more important than winning tennis matches. Murray often looked tense during Djokovic's matches at Melbourne Park, seemingly deep in thought about how to help the seventh seed win a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Murray breathed a sigh of relief after the Serbian defeated 21-year-old Alcaraz. Djokovic then limped towards his fist-pumping coach, having overcome an upper left leg injury to defeat the Spanish third seed, and gave him a hug. "It's a huge win for all of us – including the relationship that Andy and I have," Djokovic added. "That's why I went to him, because I'm very grateful that he's there."

After seeing his own career ravaged by a hip injury, three-time Grand Slam champion Murray ultimately decided to retire after the Paris 2024 Olympics last year. The morning after his last match, the Scot seemed genuinely unsure of what he wanted to do next. But Murray revealed that he had an unexpected conversation with Djokovic during a car call – shortly after telling a golfing partner that he had no intention of transitioning into coaching. It was a "unique opportunity" that Murray couldn't refuse.

Ahead of Djokovic's quarterfinal match on Tuesday, Murray told BBC Sport that he was enjoying the trial period in Melbourne. "I feel that I'm getting closer with Andy every day," Djokovic said. "We face challenges every day. People don't see that. We're trying to make the most of every single day, to grow together. The level of commitment that he has towards my career and this tournament has been as much as he possibly can."