In a light-hearted moment during the Australian Open 2025 mixed doubles practice session, tennis legend Novak Djokovic shared a humorous exchange with his coach, former rival Andy Murray. Partnering with Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, Djokovic found himself across the net from Murray and Victoria Azarenka. The atmosphere was filled with friendly banter when WTA star Azarenka playfully suggested swapping players.

Azarenka proposed bringing in Djokovic’s son Stefan to replace Murray, leading to an amusing interaction. Initially confused by the request, Djokovic clarified and then turned to his son, asking if he wanted to join the game. Despite Stefan’s hesitation, his father humorously remarked that his son would likely perform better than Murray. This playful moment highlighted the camaraderie among top tennis stars, even as they prepare for serious competition.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is gearing up for his quest to secure an 11th Australian Open title. Although Djokovic faced a disappointing exit at the Brisbane International, he remains focused on clinching his 25th Major title. Murray, now serving as Djokovic’s coach, acknowledged the potential for emotional outbursts during matches. He expressed understanding of the stress Djokovic faces and assured that he wouldn’t be offended by any venting, provided Djokovic gives his best effort. This partnership underscores the mutual respect and support between these two tennis greats as they work towards achieving new milestones.

Beyond the competitive spirit, this incident reflects the positive dynamics within the tennis community. It showcases how athletes can maintain strong bonds off the court while pushing each other to greater heights on it. Such moments remind us of the human side of sports, where laughter and camaraderie often enrich the journey toward excellence.