NOVAK DJOKOVIC has already faced his first reprimand from new coach Andy Murray – even before their extraordinary collaboration officially begins.

The 37-year-old Serbian is currently in Qatar for this weekend’s Grand Prix and had the chance to meet F1 driver George Russell during a VIP tour of the Mercedes pit area.

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While the tennis season is currently in a break, it won’t be long before Djokovic travels to Melbourne for the Australian Open, where he will begin working with his former rival Murray.

Upon discovering that the former world No. 1 was at a motorsport event in the Middle East, Murray quipped: “He should be on the practice court.”

In reply, Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, responded, “Sorry coach, I’ll be back shortly.”

Their new working alliance was revealed last weekend, surprising Murray when Djokovic suggested he take on the coaching role at the start of 2025.

The Scotsman, 37, announced his retirement following the Paris Olympics, finally accepting the conclusion of his battle with injuries.

Djokovic remarked, “This partnership is as unexpected for me as it is for everyone else, but it’s an exciting era for tennis.

“I still aim to compete at a high level because I believe my body can handle it. I remain driven to win grand slams and achieve further history.

“That’s a key reason why I invited Andy to collaborate with me, as I have big ambitions. As long as that’s the case, I will keep striving forward.

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The agreement, which originated from a brainstorming session, is currently set for the Melbourne Slam but could be extended if it proves successful.

Djokovic has defeated Murray in four Australian Open finals and also in the French Open final back in 2016.

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Murray has captured two of his three major titles against Djokovic, winning at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013.

However, this is a critical period in Djokovic’s career, as 2024 will mark the first calendar year he has not claimed a Grand Slam title since 2017.

Andy Murray’s career timeline

SIR Andy Murray is the most successful tennis player in Great Britain during the Open era.

Making his mark in 2005 by reaching the third round at Wimbledon at just 18 years old, he became British No.1 the following year.

In 2008, he reached his inaugural Grand Slam final at the US Open but ultimately lost to Roger Federer in straight sets.

He suffered two more final defeats at the Australian Open, first against Federer and then Djokovic in 2010 and 2011, followed by a tearful defeat at Wimbledon in 2012.

Despite winning the first set against Federer, he could not clinch the title, losing 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 before a home crowd.

However, just a month later, he avenged that loss by defeating the Swiss legend on the same court to win a gold medal for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympics.

Almost immediately after, he broke his Grand Slam drought, overcoming Djokovic in a five-set thriller at the US Open final.

In 2013, after another defeat in the Australian Open final, he captured the Wimbledon title against Djokovic in straight sets, becoming the first British man to do so in 77 years.

Following three additional losses in Grand Slam finals, he reclaimed the Wimbledon title in 2016, defeating Canadian Milos Raonic.

He added to his achievements with a second Olympic gold medal by edging out Juan Martin del Potro in a four-hour marathon final in Rio de Janeiro.

Latter in 2016, Murray made history when he became the first British man to attain the world No. 1 ranking.

Throughout his career, he has reached 11 Grand Slam finals, winning three, along with two Olympic golds and a silver (in mixed doubles with Laura Robson).

Murray concluded his career with 46 titles and earnings surpassing £50 million, securing his position as fourth in all-time earnings.

His final match occurred at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he was defeated in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles by the American pair of Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz.