If it had been suggested to Murray in Paris that he would be back in the game and coaching Djokovic five months later, you imagine he would have laughed.
There will be little, if any, japing around in Melbourne.
The pair are born winners who know the dedication and commitment required to be the best.
From the glimpses this week, it is clear anything less than Djokovic landing a record-extending 11th title would be unsatisfactory.
“At times it’s very enjoyable. But high performance is not supposed to be laughs and jokes and messing around,” said Murray.
“In all the times I’ve been on tour, I haven’t seen that from any of the best players in the world.
“I’ve seen it from some of the lower ranked players, and that’s one of the reasons why they’re not there.”
During Djokovic’s open practice sessions against Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Arthur Fils on Rod Laver Arena, Murray watched every movement intently.
Stood close behind Djokovic and sometimes in the doubles alley, Murray constantly offered feedback, shouted praise after winners and made notes during the practice sets.
He also compared observations with Boris Bosnjakovic, who ran Djokovic’s training centre in Belgrade before becoming part of the team last May after long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic left.
“It’s about making small changes to things and trying to help him and improve with the whole team,” said Murray.
And what about when things aren’t going so well? Murray and Djokovic are both known for sounding off at their box, but this time the Scot might find himself on the receiving end.
“I know it’s not easy out there – it’s stressful and at times he’s going to want to vent towards his team and his box,” said Murray.
“Providing that he’s giving his best effort and trying as hard as he can, I’m absolutely fine with him expressing himself how he wants.”
