When Novak Djokovic made his Grand Slam debut at Australian Open 2005 against eventual champion Marat Safin, he sported a new haircut on the court he would later own.
In this anniversary year for the Serb in Melbourne, another new look features although it’s got nothing to do with his hair on this occasion.
Andy Murray will be sitting in Djokovic’s coaching box for the first time in an official match when the 24-time Grand Slam winner meets 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy in his opener.
The Djokovic-Murray pairing sent fans into a frenzy when the (unexpected) news arrived in late November.
Not only had Murray – himself a three-time Grand Slam winner - just retired but the Scot was a rival to Djokovic during his playing days.
So far, so good, according to Djokovic, who was previously guided by Grand Slam champions Boris Becker and Goran Ivanisevic.
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They spent eight days working together during the pre-season and much of this week in Melbourne.
“I must say at the beginning it was a bit of a strange feeling to be able to share the insights with him, not just about the game but about how I feel, about life in general,” Djokovic told reporters at Melbourne Park on Friday.
“Not in a negative way, but just in a way I have never done with him because he was always one of my greatest rivals.
“We were always kind of hiding things from each other. Now all cards are open on the table. That's what he demands.
“I am 100 percent supportive of that kind of communication method where you share everything because that's the best way for him to understand you and to actually help you in whatever way he can.”
Djokovic no doubt hopes the inclusion of Murray and his “very high” tennis IQ produces instant dividends - in this case, an 11th Australian Open crown.
Last year marked the first time since an injury-hit 2017 season that Djokovic didn’t win a single major in a season.
He did, however, take a hugely significant win with his long sought-after Olympic gold in Paris by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a riveting two-tiebreak final on the clay.
“Andy really has inspired myself and a lot of people around the world,” said the 37-year-old. “I think that his unique perspective on my game is the fact that he has played me for 25 years.
“He knows the evolution of my game, I guess the weaknesses and strengths of my game.
“He also knows the game, the tennis game, of the biggest players in the world right now because he has just recently retired as a player. I guess he's up to speed with what's happening on the tour.”
Indeed, Murray has faced - and beaten - the top three seeds in the men’s draw, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Alcaraz.
It was Sinner who ended Djokovic’s reign at Rod Laver Arena in the 2024 semifinals.
But overall, triumphs have far outweighed disappointments on that famous centre court.
When asked about his favourite moment at Melbourne Park in the past 20 years, Djokovic cited two.
“Winning 2008, my first Slam here, overall first Slam in my career. Then probably the last Slam I won here in ’23,” he said, referring to those fortnights that ended with victories over Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Stefanos Tsitsipas, respectively.
“Each win is special and unique in its own way. So it's kind of hard for me to pick. But if I have to, it's probably the first and the last one.”
Basavareddy, like Djokovic in 2005 making his Grand Slam debut, somewhat modelled his game on his opponent.
Djokovic is keen to avoid the fate of 12 months ago, when another teen making his Slam debut, Dino Prizmic, pushed him beyond the four-hour mark in the first round at a major for the first time.
“I have to obviously approach that match very seriously, like any other, and do my best to get a win,” said Djokovic. “Also in the process, enjoy the nice moment of sharing the court with him.”