Andy Murray opens up on how his wife Kim reacted after finding out about Novak Djokovic coaching job

Andy Murray recently revealed a hilarious tidbit from his conversation with Novak Djokovic from around the time when the latter propositioned the Brit to become his coach. The Brit claimed that he was initially shocked at the Serb wanting his services ahead of the 2025 Australian Open.

Murray retired from pro tennis after his men's doubles campaign ended at the Paris Olympics last summer. The three-time Major winner, who hung up his racquet after a prolonged battle with injuries, was expected to be away from the tennis world following his retirement.

However, Novak Djokovic had other plans for his former rival as he revealed last December that the former World No. 1 would join his team for the 2025 ATP tour season. Andy Murray has since flown to Melbourne and made his first appearance as the 24-time Major winner's coach during the 'A Night With Novak' exhibition at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday (January 9).

During their on-court interview afterward, the Brit revealed that he had to ask for his wife Kim Sears' permission before he agreed to coach Djokovic. He also insisted that Sears expressed support for his new avenue of work.

"Novak asked me to help him... I was shocked, I was obviously not expecting that when he called. And I said, 'Look, I'm going to have to ask my wife,'" Andy Murray said after A Night With Novak exhibition on Thursday. "She was really supportive of it, pretty unique opportunity. Yeah, we thought I'd give it a go, see if I can help."

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Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray met each other 5 times at Australian Open

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic pose during Australian Open 2016 trophy ceremony

Andy Murray will likely be helpful in Novak Djokovic's bid to win a record-breaking 25th Major title in Melbourne this month. After all, the Brit offered his archrival a lot of resistance during his playing years, especially at the Happy Slam - where they contested four finals (2011, 2013, 2015-16).

Djokovic came through in their first Australian Open encounter in straightforward fashion with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 to bag his second career Major title. The two would meet in the semifinal stage a year later; the Serb needed five sets to dismantle Murray, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-1, 7-5 in four hours and 50 minutes.

Djokovic had it relatively easier in their second Australian Open final clash in 2013, beating Murray 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-2 to secure his fourth title in Melbourne. Their 2015 title match was similar in nature, with the then-World No. 1 reigning victorious by a scoreline of 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-0.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray's final Melbourne encounter in 2016 followed the above trend as the Serb beat the Brit 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(3) to notch his 11th Major title.