Novak Djokovic reveals what Andy Murray did that helped him produce ‘flawless’ Miami performance

Novak Djokovic says advice from Andy Murray – his coach and former rival – was key to his ‘flawless’ opening-round performance in Miami.

The former world No 1 looked in fine form against Rinky Hijikata at the Masters 1000 event in Miami, winning 6-0, 7-6(1) to advance to the last 32.

“I was spending a lot of time actually with my team and training and really talking about the game and what needs to be done, not only from a tennis perspective but also mentally and emotionally,” said Djokovic to Sky Sports after the victory.

“I obviously started doubting my game a little bit more after Australia, I didn’t have a great match, I did lose to [Matteo] Berrettini in Doha, he was playing great.”

Coming into the Miami Open, Djokovic was on a three-match losing streak – something which he hadn’t experienced since March 2018.

At the 2025 Australian Open, he was forced to retire from his semi-final match after losing a close first set against Alexander Zverev, suffering from a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, he lost in the opening round of Doha and Indian Wells – to Matteo Berrettini and Botic van de Zandschulp, respectively.

The Serb confessed that conversations with coach Andy Murray were vital in helping to turn around his form: “Andy and I talked about the game and we both agree if I continue to do the right things and play good quality tennis in practice sessions, it will come.”

“The first set-and-a-half, it was flawless tennis. I think it was fair the second set went into a tie-break and I played great in the tie-break.

“Obviously it’s just the first match but the way I felt on the court and the way I played is really encouraging.

“I haven’t played here for six years, it’s an amazing place.”

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Djokovic was also quizzed as to how long he will continue playing for.

“If we have to boil it down to two things, yes, staying healthy definitely, which I’ve done pretty well for most of my career, but obviously, body is not the same like it was 15 years ago, so I have to put in more time in taking care of it,” the 37-year-old stated.

“But also, yeah, taking care of my psychological state and trying to get up in the morning and feel motivated to keep going and push.

“And obviously, If I’m feeling and playing the way I did today, it’s pleasure and I have joy, I find joy on the court regardless of where I am. And then I want to keep going for as long as I have that feeling.

“Obviously it’s not going to be there every match, but as long as I have that feeling of being able to compete with the guys at the highest level, I’ll keep going. You know what I mean? So the desire is there, the support of the closest people in my life is there. Let’s see how far I can go.”

Djokovic will next face Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third-round of the Miami Open, with the two having never met.

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