Andy Murray’s loyalties could be tested during a potentially awkward moment at the Australian Open early next year.

Murray stunned the tennis world over the weekend when it was revealed he would join Novak Djokovic’s camp as a coach.

The Scottish ace only retired himself during the summer, having brought an end to his two-decade-long professional career.

Djokovic and Murray shared plenty of moments together on the court, with the announcement accompanied by a touching tribute from the record Grand Slam winner.

Speaking on a social media clip, Djokovic said: “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of being rivals, of pushing each other beyond our limits.

“We had some of the most epic battles in our sport. I thought our story may be over – turns out it has one final chapter.

“It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”

The first battle for tennis’ new super-team will come in Melbourne at the Australian Open next year – a tournament Djokovic has won a whopping 10 times already.

But there could be an awkward encounter for new coach Murray if Djokovic is paired against a Brit at the event down under.

Murray has long been a champion of British tennis during his time as a pro, often lending a helping hand to the up-and-coming countrymen and women coming through the ranks.

Among them have been Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie, who will both hope for decent runs at the Australian Open in January.

In his new role as Djokovic’s right-hand man though, such sentiments will have to be thrown out of the window by Murray, given he’ll be cheering for the Serb instead.

It marks an exciting partnership nonetheless and one which Julien Benneteau thinks could deliver Djokovic’s elusive 25th Grand Slam victory.

The Frenchman said: “It’s not because you were a great player that you are a good coach and that guarantees success as a coach. Andy Murray will have the role of coach, not trainer; he will not teach him how to hit a forehand or a backhand.

“I think Djokovic has a real motivation to reach 25 Grand Slams, to be the only one to have done it, and he will do everything for it.”

With the tennis season all but wrapped for the year, the players will return early in 2025, before competing at the Australian Open in mid-January.