Novak Djokovic is set to be without new coach Andy Murray for his first tennis tournament of 2025 at the Brisbane International.
Djokovic delighted tennis fans last month when he surprisingly announced that his former Big Four rival Murray had joined his coaching team.
Murray entered retirement in August and will now help coach Djokovic into and during the first Grand Slam of the year at the 2025 Australian Open.
But the British legend, who clinched the Brisbane title in 2012 and 2013, will not be present for Djokovic’s first tournament of the New Year, according to the PA News agency, which is a traditional warm-up event before the Australian Open main draw gets underway on January 12.
Murray is hoping to help Djokovic land a historic 25th major singles title at Melbourne Park, which would move him clear of Margaret Court on the all-time list and would surely cement his status as the best tennis player ever.
Serbian icon Djokovic recently opened up about his shock decision to hire two-time Wimbledon champion Murray in an interview with Sky Sports.
‘I took about six months to figure out what I needed at this stage of my career,’ Djokovic, 37, who is currently the world No.7, said last week.
‘We discussed Andy Murray and I said I would give him a call and see how it goes.
‘It caught him a little off guard. We connected really fast and he accepted after a few days.
More Trending
‘I couldn’t be more excited about it. This collaboration is a surprise to everyone, including me, but it’s exciting for tennis.’
In terms of what Djokovic can expect from Murray, the British hero’s close friend Laura Robson told Metro earlier this year: ‘Andy would be a great coach to anyone.
‘He’s got such an analytical mind. He loves the technique and the tactics and all the minor details you can do in tennis to improve by one per cent.
‘He loves the sport so much. He would be a huge advantage in anyone’s player box. He’s just got so much advice to give.’
MORE: Emma Raducanu tipped for 2025 Australian Open glory but only if two things happen
MORE: Rafael Nadal tipped to emulate Andy Murray by coaching ‘one of the best players ever’
MORE: Rafael Nadal’s coach blasts ‘shabby’ Davis Cup farewell ceremony
