'Still be here in 10 years': Alexander Zverev's humorous response to unlikely Australian Open pairing
The announcement of a recently retired former world No.1 as the new coach of Novak Djokovic left Alexander Zverev and the tennis world in shock.
The unlikely partnership of Andy Murray and Djokovic is one many cannot await to see unfold, with fans given the first taste of their unity in an exhibition match on Thursday.
Djokovic took to Rod Laver Arena alongside Zverev as his star coach sat courtside and looked on.
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For Zverev, the presence of the two greats was highly enjoyable, but also a reminder that the 24-time grand slam champion is not nearing the end of his career.
"What did I think? Shit," Zverev replied, laughing, when asked of the changes to Djokovic's coaching team.
Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev are interviewed during the Night with Novak charity event. Getty
"In a negative way for me, but in a positive way for Novak I guess.
"Look, Novak is a 24-time grand slam champion. I feel like it almost doesn't matter anymore who he takes as a coach.
"He's probably going to win five more while I still try to chase my first," he said laughing.
"The story continues. I get older, Novak is younger. We will still be here in 10 years time."
A simple phone call and conversation with his wife was all Murray needed to agree to join Djokovic's coaching team, but the process was not as smooth for his student.
"The way it happened is that I begged him, I said, 'Andy please be my coach'," Djokovic said, tongue in cheek.
"We agreed and we spent a good eight, nine days of preparation in December and then he advised me he's going to have a family first skiing trip.
"I was worried, (thinking) please Andy come in one piece to Australia."
Novak Djokovic (R) speaks with Andy Murray after practice. Getty
Murray joked that Djokovic was "single-handedly responsible" for him never claiming an Australian Open title, but could not resist the opportunity to return to the circuit.
"Novak asked me to help him, I was shocked, I was obviously not expecting that when he called," he said.
"Novak is not just one of the best tennis players of all time, he's one of the best athletes of all time.
"I expected him to be an extremely hard worker, very diligent, always looking to improve. I'm looking forward to competing."
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The pair's unity may seem unusual to many, but Zverev revealed he too has taken inspiration from the idea.
"People don't know this but me and Novak, I don't know whether it's similar to Andy or not, but we have a deal that once he retires from tennis he will coach me for a year," Zverev laughed.
"The problem is I will retire before you [Djokovic]. It's pointless.
"He just wants to postpone this until I retire so he doesn't have to do that will stop its ongoing."
