Two former World No. 1s are set to work together at the Australian Open next year. Novak Djokovic has hired Andy Murray as his head coach and the latter’s ex-coach Jamie Delgado explained why this move might prove helpful for the Serb.

The announcement that Djokovic made on November 23 created quite a stir in the tennis world. Born in May 1987, both Djokovic and Murray played against each other in 36 matches, which included clashes in 19 finals.

The three-time Grand Slam champion in August became the second member of the Big 4 to retire after his campaign at the Paris Olympics came to an end. Djokovic doesn’t have retirement plans at the back of his mind and even though he remained trophyless on the tour this season, his adding Murray to his team would mean they would be making plans based on the Brit’s experience playing against Nole and other youngsters, said Delgado.

The British coach was part of Murray’s entourage for six years. Before hiring Murray, Djokovic worked with Croatian coach Goran Ivanisevic and parted ways with him in March this year.

Tennis Channel commentator Gill Gross had never heard of a ‘blockbuster’ coaching news until he learned about the Andy Murray–Novak Djokovic partnership. Like Jamie Delgado, Gross also thinks Djokovic might have an advantage over his opponents because Murray has played against them and is ‘fresh off the tour’.

Djokovic and Murray will discuss whether to extend their partnership after the Australian Open. The Serbian great will be chasing his 11th Australian Open and his historic 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne.