The first sound was a visceral roar. Then a gentle hug.
Novak Djokovic’s emotions erupted during his quarter-final triumph over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open, which defied predictions, logic, and expectation.
Djokovic exuded excitement and relief as he turned to face his coach, Andy Murray, and buried his face in his chest.
The rivals-turned-colleagues celebrated after Murray’s surprise first coaching position proved to be a huge success.
“It was kind of a gesture of appreciation and respect for him for the fact that he’s out there when he doesn’t need to be,” said the 37-year-old Djokovic, who was born a week after Murray in May 1987.
“He agreed to cooperate with me. He’s giving me and the rest of the team his full support, and he’s trying to make it work.
When 24-time major winner Djokovic announced in November that he was hiring the recently retired Murray as his new coach, it seemed like a prank.
But there is nothing more important to both guys than winning tennis matches.
Murray has maintained a nervous demeanor during Djokovic’s run at Melbourne Park, appearing to be deep in contemplation about how he can aid the seventh seed win a record 25th Grand Slam victory.
His relief at the Serb pushing beyond Alcaraz, 21, was evident in a deep exhalation.
Then came the moment when Djokovic, who had overcome an upper left leg injury to defeat Spanish third seed Alcaraz, limped over to embrace his fist-pumping coach.
“This was a huge win for all of us – including Andy and myself for the relationship,” Djokovic told reporters.
“That’s why I went to him because I felt very grateful that he’s there.”
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