Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray spark team vibe

The Times of India in Melbourne: There was an unusual scene at the end of the marquee men's singles quarter-final of the Australian Open, where Novak Djokovic took down the third seed Carlos Alcaraz.
The 37-year-old rushed to Andy Murray, one of his greatest rivals, who is now in the 24-time major winner's coaching pod, and enveloped the Scott in a hug.
Djokovic and Murray, a week apart in age, have played each other 36 times with the Serb winning 25 of those encounters, more significantly the Scot lost four of his five Australian Open finals to Djokovic between 2011 to 2016.
That's the duo's history between the chalked lines, off the tennis court, they first met as 12-year-olds and became friends when playing the juniors. As their careers grew, they became rivals on the ATP Tour, fighting for the same prize.
The mutual admiration and respect was the reason why Murray said yes when Djokovic asked if he would coach him late last year.
Djokovic said the 'hug' at the end of near four-hours in the middle was instinctive, something he felt he should do.
"I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges every single day," the Serb said. "People don't see that obviously. We try to make the most out of every day and grow together. He's been as committed to my career as he can be."
Murray, one of the more volatile players on the court in his time, is a rock-like presence at courtside.
"It (the hug) was a gesture of appreciation and respect for him, the fact that he's out there, and he doesn't need to be," Djokovic said. "He accepted to work with me, he's giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work."
"This was a huge win for all of us, Andy and myself, for the relationship. That's why I went to him because I just felt very grateful that he's there."
Alcaraz -- in the Australian Open quarter-final -- was the toughest test yet for team Djokovic-Murray, Friday's semifinal against German Alexander Zverev will be another tall order.