Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray faced each other 36 times throughout their tennis careers, mostly in finals and often at the business end of a grand slam. But at this year’s Australian Open, their decades-long rivalry has taken an unexpected turn.

Novak Djokovic may be 37, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion can never be counted out as he aims to make more history in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have started their on-court preparations at the Australian Open ahead of the Serbian’s bid for a 25th grand slam title this month. Djokovic has said former rival Murray will bring a “fresh look” and “unique perspective” as his coach as he seeks to win a record-exending 11th Australian Open.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have known each other for a quarter of a century. They played from the age of 12, meeting 36 times as professionals, including 10 Grand Slam matches. Yet they've never been able to talk shop and freely trade all sorts of thoughts — about tennis and otherwise — until now.

The sandwich generation, up-and-coming prospects and one very important court that has nothing to do with tennis

Novak Djokovic got the bright idea to hire the recently retired Andy Murray as his coach, at least through the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic is heading into the Australian Open with new optimism as he targets his 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, but he will face a slide down the ATP Rankings if his recent trend in form continues.

Novak Djokovic opens up about his former rival and new coach Andy Murray’s role at this stage of his career. Latest: The California fires have burned more than 10,000 structures. The blazes could become the state's most costly ever.

Andy Murray says he is ready to be on the receiving end of Novak Djokovic's ire in pressure moments at the Australian Open, with the "unique opportunity" to coach him worth it. This time it could be Murray on the receiving end.