Novak Djokovic responds to ex-British No. 1 saying he wants to see Serb 'shouting and screaming' at Andy Murray in coach's box

Novak Djokovic gave an answer to Tim Henman's criticism after the British ex-player-turned-pundit offered an opinion on Djokovic's relationship with new coach Andy Murray. Henman remarked on the Serb's renowned fiery on-court temperament, which often involved screaming in the stands.

Henman called for Djokovic to be tested early in the 2025 Australian Open, as it would be better to expose the Djokovic-Murray partnership when the chips are down.

Talking to Eurosport, for whom he's working in Melbourne, Henman admitted that he was "intrigued" by the relationship, but then asked:

"Who's going to shout at who? That's why I want to see Djokovic struggle a little bit in those early matches so that there's a bit of tension, a bit of adversity, hopefully a bit of shouting and screaming at the box."

Djokovic hasn't taken the comments lightly and took the opportunity to reply after easing into the fourth round of the year's first major with a convincing 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win over Tomas Machac. The Serb shot back on Eurosport:

"Look, I saw what Tim posted a few weeks ago. He was really looking forward to me screaming at Andy during the matches. It might happen but I hope it doesn’t because then he’s going to scream at me and then who knows what."

So far the Djokovic-Murray partnership has been harmonious

2025 Australian Open - Day 6 - Source: Getty

So far in the tournament, there's been no sign of any on-court tension between Andy Murray and his new charge, despite Novak Djokovic's route to the fourth round not being straightforward. The 24-time major winner has dropped sets in his two opening matches against Jaime Faria and Nishesh Basavareddy, before righting the ship against Machac, where he appeared to be back to his best.

At 37, however, with a long and successful career behind him, Djokovic is finding life at the top less comfortable. Now ranked at No. 7, Djokovic knows that Melbourne presents its unique challenges, and if he's extended in a grueling five-setter in the Australian heat, tempers could flare up on the court:

"It’s still quite an early phase. It’s a bit strange to have him - in a good way - in my corner, on the same side of the net, so to say. We spent 25 years competing against each other, hiding a lot of information, a lot of vulnerabilities, weaknesses. But now all of the cards are on the table."

Djokovic plays Jiri Lecheka in the next round; the Czech No. 1 has had an unbeaten start to 2025, picking up the 2024 Hobart International title in January. He could provide the kind of opposition to test Henman's theory.