Andy Murray made a remarkable return to the tennis court, just five months after announcing his retirement from the sport. The star participated in an exhibition doubles match at the Australian Open alongside Victoria Azarenka, facing off against Novak Djokovic and Zheng Qinwen. The event, held at the Rod Laver Arena, drew in 15,000 fans for “A Night With Novak,” a charity initiative launched in 2025. Djokovic teamed up with Zheng to secure a narrow victory over Murray and Azarenka in a match filled with excitement and friendly banter among the players. Murray, who has taken on a coaching role with Djokovic, entertained the audience by wearing a microphone that allowed them to listen in on his playful interactions on the court.
Before the match commenced, Murray engaged with the crowd in an on-court interview, humourously downplaying his current tennis skills, “Look, I’m dreadful at tennis now. I’ve hardly hit a ball for the last few months, it’s going to be ugly. I need everyone’s support – get behind me, not him, tonight. Please.” Despite Murray’s self-deprecating remarks, the match proved to be competitive, with Djokovic and Zheng ultimately clinching the victory in a tiebreak after an evenly matched game where both pairs traded points. Following the defeat, Murray jokingly apologised to the audience, acknowledging his earlier assessment of his performance, “Sorry everyone – I told you I was terrible. I wasn’t lying.”
Djokovic reflected on the enjoyable evening, expressing his happiness with the event, “Yeah, I’m happy. Obviously, the result isn’t important tonight, it’s about having fun and doing it for the right cause. And the show up tonight is incredible. The fans are amazing, they respect the sport and they love tennis.” The Serbian tennis champion, a 10-time winner at the Melbourne Park, is now focused on the upcoming Australian Open where he aims to secure his 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic is set to face Nishesh Basavareddy in his opening match as he vies for another successful run at the prestigious tournament.
In addition to the exhibition match, Djokovic also participated in a wheelchair doubles match following the encounter with Murray and Azarenka. The eventful evening showcased the spirit of tennis and camaraderie among players, delighting fans in attendance. While Djokovic looks ahead to the Australian Open, Murray’s return to the court has sparked excitement among tennis enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate his future endeavours. The display of sportsmanship and skill at the exhibition match served as a reminder of the enduring popularity and appeal of professional tennis.
As the players gear up for the competitive matches of the Australian Open, fans and fellow athletes alike are buzzing with anticipation for the thrilling showdowns that lie ahead. With Djokovic aiming to further solidify his standing as a tennis legend and Murray making a surprising comeback, the tournament promises to deliver gripping performances and memorable moments for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as the Australian Open unfolds, showcasing the talent and determination of the world’s top tennis stars on the grand stage.