The former rivals are working together at the Australian Open and the Serb believes his four-set win over the young ace in Tuesday's (21.01.25) quarter-final is validation of their unlikely partnership.

Asked why he embraced Murray after the match, Djokovic told reporters: "I feel more and more connected with Andy every day. We face challenges every single day. People don't see that obviously.

"I mean, we try to make the most out of every day and grow together. He's been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be.

"So it was kind of a gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the fact that he's out there, and he doesn't need to be. 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, including Andy and myself, you know, for the relationship.

"Yeah, that's why I went to him, because I just felt very grateful that he's there."

Djokovic appeared to be hindered by a leg injury in the early stages of the match and he revealed that he was "concerned" about the problem as the tournament reaches its climax.

The 24-time major champion said: "I will try to do as much as I possibly can with my recovery team, with my physio today, tomorrow, the next few days. Probably skip training tomorrow. I'll see if I'm going to train in two days or not. I'll take it day by day.

"Now it's really about recovery. I'm concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. But if I manage somehow to be physically good enough, I think mentally, emotionally I'm as motivated as I can be."