While Novak Djokovic was talking about their career-long friendship in the conference room, Andy Murray, the man he meets in the final of the Australian Open, was out on a back court at Melbourne Park, going through a leisurely practice session before attempting to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam title in 75 years.
Murray thought they had played first at the age of 13. Djokovic thinks it was earlier than that. But the Scot remembers the score. "6-1, 6-0," he had said with a smile when asked about it the day before.
"Yeah, of course," Djokovic laughed. "He remembers the wins. We played a couple times at Under-14 European level and then he went to Barcelona and I was partly in Germany, partly in Italy. We went different ways. Then, at more or less the same time, we developed into professional tennis players. So it's been a nice story, and to be able to meet him in a Grand Slam final makes it even more special."
Djokovic and Murray spent a lot of time in Perth practicing together during the Hopman Cup earlier this month. "We had fun," the Serb said. "We played football there. He won, unfortunately. I think we reconnected with the friendship a little bit in the last 12 months. Well, we have to forget about all that when we step on court."
Djokovic does not envy Murray's position as Britain's one and only hope. "It's been tough for him to face this pressure of media and being a British player," he said. "You know, everyone expects him to win Wimbledon and be the best player in the world because he comes from a country of great tennis history. Of course, we know Wimbledon is the most prestigious tournament in our sport. And he faced that all his career. So you have to give him credit."
To hear Djokovic talk, it is obvious the pair have a genuine friendship, which must be frustrating for those who believe sporting rivalries can only be built around hate. Just when those other two friends, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, step out of the limelight for a moment, here come another duo who enjoy having dinner together. What is the world coming to?
But none of that will lessen the intensity of what we will witness on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday evening Melbourne time. Murray is trying to deflect the desires of the nation by saying he is seeking to win the title for himself and his team, but he knows precisely what sort of joy will be unleashed should he write himself into the history books.
The pressure on Djokovic is less for a number of reasons. Firstly, he is in marginally better form based on the past few rounds. Then there is the fact that he is overflowing with confidence after Serbia's Davis Cup triumph in December and, unlike Murray, he already has won a Grand Slam title — right here in 2008.
"I was a 20-year-old who didn't really feel much pressure or expectations off court and I was just trying to play my best tennis," Djokovic said. "That's probably why I played so well against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. But now I definitely feel I am more experienced and winning a Grand Slam title, having that for this final, it's maybe a little bit of a mental advantage.
There is little doubt that this match will be won in the mind. Murray knows exactly how to beat Djokovic because he has won their past three meetings, all on hard courts in North America, in straight sets. But the most recent was in Miami in March 2009, so it is a stat that cannot be taken as a real pointer as to what will happen right here, right now.
The styles of the two men have not changed. Djokovic is marginally the more aggressive player with an all-around game that has few weaknesses. He likes nothing better than to outhit opponents from the backcourt -– as Federer again found in their semifinal. Engaging in a "Let's see who can hit this thing harder" contest was fatal for Federer, and Murray won't fall for that. He will give Djokovic changeup junk interspersed with lethal backhands up the lines and forehand crosscourt winners on the run. But the Scot has to stay aggressive.
He was within a point of going two sets down to David Ferrer on Friday night because he was far too passive throughout the first set. He can't afford to play Djokovic from behind the baseline. He has to move up and look for volleying opportunities. Then, if his first serve lives up to its recent improvement, he can win.
Whatever happens, it's unlikely to be quick. This has every chance of going the distance and, if it does, the extra day Djokovic has had to prepare may become a factor. Settle back for a long one.
