Novak Djokovic’s inconsistent form at the 2025 Australian Open has not gone unnoticed, and neither has the reaction of his coach, Andy Murray. Tennis legend John McEnroe, providing commentary for Eurosport, remarked on the nervous energy emanating from Murray during Djokovic’s second-round match against Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria.
Djokovic’s Tough Start to Melbourne
For the second consecutive year, Djokovic dropped sets in his opening two matches at the Australian Open. The world No. 7 faced a surprising challenge from 21-year-old Faria, who pushed the match to four sets despite Djokovic’s dominant start. Djokovic eventually secured victory with a 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2 scoreline.
McEnroe noted the boldness of young players like Faria, who compete with “freedom” against experienced stars:
“These young players play with a lot of freedom. They’re both outside the top 100 and they played incredible tennis.”
The 37-year-old Serb, known for his composure, showed visible frustration during parts of the match, which McEnroe believed might have influenced Murray, who seemed nervous on the sidelines.
Murray’s Role and Observations
Murray, who joined Djokovic’s team as a coach in late 2024, has been instrumental in shaping the veteran’s strategy for high-stakes matches. However, as McEnroe pointed out:
“I watched Andy Murray during the Novak match, and I noticed he was starting to get a little nervous because of what was going on.”
Murray’s reactions were understandable given Djokovic’s early struggles against lower-ranked opponents like Faria and Nishesh Basavareddy, who also claimed a set in their first-round clash.
Djokovic’s Record-Breaking Achievement
Despite his fluctuating form, Djokovic achieved a major milestone by breaking Roger Federer’s record for most Grand Slam singles matches played. His win over Faria marked his 430th Grand Slam match, surpassing Federer’s 429.
Reflecting on the achievement, Djokovic expressed his gratitude:
“This sport has always been giving me so much in my life, an opportunity to play at the Grand Slams. I try not to take it for granted after great achievements that I’m very proud of.”
Next Challenge: Tomas Machac
Djokovic’s road ahead does not get easier. He is set to face 26th seed Tomas Machac, who demonstrated resilience by defeating Reilly Opelka in a grueling five-set match. Opelka previously denied Djokovic a title at the Brisbane International just weeks ago, adding an intriguing narrative to the upcoming clash.
Machac, a rising star with an aggressive playing style, poses a legitimate threat. Djokovic will need to elevate his game to avoid another extended battle as he chases an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title.
Analysis: Djokovic’s Road to Redemption
While Djokovic’s early challenges in Melbourne are reminiscent of his 2024 campaign—where he reached the semifinals only to lose to Jannik Sinner—his experience and record-breaking drive remain his greatest assets. With Murray’s guidance and his unwavering focus, Djokovic still has the tools to overcome adversity and make a deep run.
However, as McEnroe’s comments highlight, the Serb must find consistency quickly, especially as the competition intensifies. Against players like Machac and potentially top seeds in later rounds, lapses in concentration could prove costly.
