Under the bright lights of the Miami Open on March 22, 2025, Novak Djokovic stepped onto the court and delivered a performance that felt like a thunderclap breaking through a storm. Facing Australia’s Rinky Hijikata, the Serbian maestro unleashed a 6-0, 7-6(1) masterclass in the second round, ending a three-match losing streak that had shadowed his 2025 season. It was a return to the Hard Rock Stadium he hadn’t graced since 2019, and the 37-year-old made it clear he hadn’t lost his edge. After the match, Djokovic peeled back the curtain on what—or rather, who—ignited this resurgence: his coach and former rival, Andy Murray.
The world No. 5 had been in a rare slump. A hamstring injury forced him to retire from the Australian Open semifinals against Alexander Zverev in January, and subsequent defeats in Doha and Indian Wells—to Matteo Berrettini and Botic van de Zandschulp, respectively—marked his first three-match skid since 2018. Doubt crept in, a shadow over a career defined by 24 Grand Slam titles and unshakable resolve. But in Miami, something clicked. “The first set-and-a-half, it was flawless tennis,” Djokovic said, his voice tinged with satisfaction. “The way I felt on the court and the way I played is really encouraging.”
So, what changed? Djokovic pointed to the man in his corner. Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion who retired last summer, joined Djokovic’s team late in 2024, a partnership that raised eyebrows across the tennis world. Their history—36 fierce battles, with Djokovic leading 25-11—made it an intriguing union, but it’s proving to be a game-changer. “Andy and I talked about the game,” Djokovic revealed, “and we both agree if I continue to do the right things and play good quality tennis in practice sessions, it will come.” Those conversations, spanning nearly two weeks before Miami, weren’t just about technique. They tackled the mental and emotional gears that had begun to grind. “I was spending a lot of time with my team, training, and really talking about what needs to be done—not only from a tennis perspective but also mentally and emotionally,” he added.
On the court, the results spoke volumes. Djokovic obliterated Hijikata in the first set, winning the first seven games with a precision that recalled his peak years. The second set tightened, with the 24-year-old Aussie pushing it to a tiebreak, but Djokovic’s experience shone through, sealing it with a commanding 7-1 finish. “I played great in the tiebreak,” he noted, a nod to his ability to summon brilliance when it mattered most. For a player chasing a record seventh Miami title—he’s currently tied with Andre Agassi at six—this was a statement: the fire still burns.
Murray’s influence, though, goes beyond tactics. Having faced Djokovic in four Australian Open finals and two at Wimbledon, the Scot brings a “unique perspective,” as Djokovic put it. “He knows the evolution, the weaknesses and strengths of my game,” he said, highlighting how Murray’s firsthand insight—honed over 25 years of rivalry—has sharpened his focus. Their collaboration, initially a trial for the Australian Open, has stretched into an “indefinite” arrangement, with plans to continue through the clay season and possibly Wimbledon. “I’m enjoying the relationship with Andy,” Djokovic shared earlier this month, hinting at a dynamic still evolving.
For Djokovic, Miami isn’t just a tournament—it’s a proving ground. After a 2024 capped by Olympic gold in Paris, his only title that year, 2025 has been about rediscovering joy. “If I’m playing the way I did today, it’s a pleasure,” he said, his eyes already on the next challenge: Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round. With Murray’s voice in his ear and a recalibrated mindset, Djokovic isn’t just back—he’s poised to rewrite the script of his storied career, one flawless shot at a time.
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