He was always available to any aspiring player, no matter how humble, for analysis and direction. That is just the way he thinks. He is a human tennis computer, and an extremely generous soul, despite the preconceptions that many have built up about him over the years.

In short, Murray’s overall contribution to British tennis has already far outstripped that of any other single individual. It might seem unfair to ask him for even more at this stage. But we cannot help it: he remains a goldmine of knowledge and experience – the richest resource that these islands contain.

And, so, there is a hint of jealousy at the idea of Murray choosing to work with the tennis GOAT – Novak Djokovic – when there are British hopefuls crying out for advice and inspiration.

Perhaps it is too soon for a tie-up with Emma Raducanu, after her unfortunate falling-out with the Murray clan at last summer’s Wimbledon. (For those with short memories, Raducanu withdrew from her scheduled mixed-doubles match with Andy at the 11th hour, leaving her jilted partner – according to insiders – feeling “extremely disappointed”.)

But our other most promising prospect, Jack Draper, is making a serious push towards the world’s top 10, after his run to the semi-final of September’s US Open.

And while Draper might enjoy a successful partnership with his main coach James Trotman, he has already experimented with the idea of a “super-coach” (someone who has played at or near the top of the game themselves) via his four-month flirtation with former world No 6 Wayne Ferreira this summer. When that broke up in August, there were already rumours – unfounded, as it turned out – that Ferreira’s departure was merely clearing space for Murray’s arrival.

Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if Draper ended up colliding with Djokovic in the fourth round of Melbourne, while Murray cheers the “wrong” player on, and offers tactical advice from the side of the court?

Well, perhaps a little. Yet it should also be stressed that tennis is the world’s most global sport – a travelling circus in which friendships and professional alliances regularly cross national borders.

The world No 1, Jannik Sinner of Italy, has an Australian coach. The Australian No 1, Alex de Minaur, spent his early years in Alicante, and is still guided by the same Spaniard – Adolfo Gutierrez – who first took charge of him as a nine-year-old. Within the locker-room, nobody would bat an eyelid at the idea of a Brit coaching a Serb, or vice versa.

It is also worth remembering that Murray is taking advantage of a phenomenal opportunity here: the chance to see the ultimate tennis competitor from the closest range imaginable. If that does not fast-track his nascent coaching career, nothing will.

It is not as if this is a job for life. Both are 37 – Murray was born a week earlier than his former rival, in May 1987 – and the warning light on Djokovic’s petrol tank is beginning to flash red. One suspects that this hiring represents a final push, perhaps made with one eye on the publicity value, as Djokovic looks to conclude his peerless career with a flourish.