- Andy Murray announced back in November that he will coach Novak Djokovic
- But, he was absent at Djokovic’s first tournament of the season in Brisbane
- The British tennis legend was instead on a pre-planned family skiing holiday
Andy Murray was spotted enjoying his New Year skiing instead of coaching his new charge Novak Djokovic in Australia.
The pair shocked the tennis world when they announced their blockbuster link-up in November, with Murray confirming he would be overseeing the legendary Serb’s progress.
The agreement was initially announced as a short term one for pre-season training, before Murray would also be part of Djokovic’s set-up for the first Grand Slam of 2025 at the Australian Open.
Djokovic beat Murray in four Australian Open finals, a competition he has won 10 times on his way to 24 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic is already Down Under and warming up for the tournament at the Brisbane International, with the 37-year-old cruising into the last 16 on New Year’s Eve courtesy of a straight sets win over Australian star Rinky Hijikata.
However, when asked how his collaboration with Murray was going following the victory, Djokovic revealed that the Brit was not currently with him, although the Serb did admit he was still receiving advice from his long-time friend.
Andy Murray missed Novak Djokovic’s first tournament since their partnership was revealed
Murray instead hit the slopes on a pre-planned family skiing holiday over the New Year period
Djokovic revealed Murray’s absence at the Brisbane International ahead of the Australian Open
‘He’s actually skiing at the minute,’ Djokovic said. ‘He has a family ski trip so I’m sending my love to all the Murray family.
‘I hope he doesn’t get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne… that wouldn’t be great.
‘We spoke before the match, we’re communicating daily. I’m excited to have him in my team, my corner.
‘For 20 plus years he’s been across the net, but for the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court as me so it should be fun in Melbourne.’
Murray saw Djokovic’s comments on social media and hilariously responded with a video of himself skiing.
He added the caption: ‘I’m taking on some huge slopes as you can see but no injuries just yet.’
Mail Sport had reported in December how Murray, who won the title in Brisbane in 2012 and 2013, was not expected to accompany Djokovic for tournament.
He is expected however to be in his corner for the Australian Open which gets underway on Sunday, January 12.
The announcement in November that Murray would coach Djokovic shocked the tennis world
The pair had been long-term rivals, but Murray retired from the sport over the summer
Murray and Djokovic’s interaction on social media comes after the Serb spoke last week about the ‘fresh look’ that has been brought into his game thanks to the partnership.
‘Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals,’ Djokovic had said on the ATP website.
‘In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals.
‘But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.
‘The 10 days that we spent together were terrific. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional.
‘He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals that I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.’
Djokovic continued: ‘He has also played up to recently on the tour, so he knows all the other best players currently in the world, the youngsters and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So I look forward to it, I really do.
‘I think he’s bringing a fresh look to my game and I think I’ll be able to benefit from that, no doubt, on the tennis court. But also that kind of champion’s mentality that he has, I’m sure that we’ll match very well.’
