Known for his composure under pressure, even Carlos Alcaraz, the current world No. 1, might have felt a twinge of intimidation facing these two legends. Their practice session, held in a nearly empty Margaret Court Arena, was a stark contrast to the bustling crowds watching other players train.
Murray, who recently retired, seems to have embraced his new coaching role with enthusiasm. He was seen feeding balls, retrieving them, and offering constant encouragement to Djokovic. Their intense practice session included drills, discussions on technique, and even insights into Djokovic's mental game.
The practice match between Djokovic and Alcaraz was a display of high-quality tennis, with both players showcasing their impressive skills. Djokovic, in particular, appeared energized and focused, a marked difference from his recent performance in Brisbane.
Despite moments where Djokovic's age showed, he demonstrated remarkable athleticism and skill. His serve, especially, was a weapon that helped him secure a 7-5 win in the practice set.
While the longevity of this coaching partnership remains uncertain, their shared goal is clear: to help Djokovic achieve a historic 25th Grand Slam title. The sight of these two legends leaving the court together, deep in conversation, speaks volumes about their commitment.
In other news, Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, both recovering from injuries, showed promising signs in their practice sessions. Raducanu even managed to win a set against Elena Rybakina, while Draper was leading Holger Rune before the stadium was closed.
