Huge Australian Open rule change gives Djokovic and Murray's new advantage

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray (Image: Getty)

A significant change in tennis rules for 2025 has made Novak Djokovic’s hiring of Andy Murray a stroke of genius.

Players can now receive ‘brief and discreet instructions between points and during changeovers’ from their corner. And none of Djokovic’s rivals have a brainbox like Murray in their box.

His mind will be on overdrive, figuring out solutions against the best players.

Murray can’t be screaming advice from his seat, even if he is getting a mouthful of Serbian expletives in the opposite direction. But he’ll be relaying crucial information that will sway a tie in his team’s favour.

That is what this one-time individual sport is becoming now: a team game.

Djokovic’s only aim at the Australian Open is to win the title. He is clearly desperate to move ahead of the Grand Slam record he shares with Margaret Court.

Anything else will be deemed a failure. That is the elite mentality needed to compete at the very highest level.

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Murray is not trying to reinvent the wheel with Djokovic. The Serbian knows how to play tennis. Very well, actually.

The coach has not been brought in to change any technical attributes.

But the tactical advice and in-game management could be the difference maker – as long as they remain subtle.

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Ally Pally kings

JUST as one king departs Alexandra Palace, another steps up to the throne.

There will still be green confetti hiding in the cavities when defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan gets the Masters underway against John Higgins at Ally Pally on Sunday.

He’ll be hoping Luke Littler has left some magic in the air for him to claim a ninth Masters title.