Djokovic's New Coach Murray Reportedly Set To Skip His First Event Of 2025
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Reports have indicated that Andy Murray's first tournament as Novak Djokovic's coach will not be at the Serbian's opening event of the 2025 season at the Brisbane International.
Djokovic plays at fewer ATP tournaments than he used to, understandably at the age of 37. The 24-time Grand Slam champion prioritizes the four majors and representing Serbia over other events.
However, Djokovic usually competes at a tournament before the Australian Open to prepare for the opening Grand Slam of the year. Last year, he played for Serbia at the United Cup, a team event held in Perth and Sydney.
The 2025 United Cup, starting on December 27th, will be the first event of the new season to begin. That will be followed a few days later by the Brisbane International and Hong Kong Open.
Djokovic officially signed up for the Brisbane International, joining a star-studded entry list that includes Nick Kyrgios, Grigor Dimitrov, and Holger Rune.
Although every season is important for Djokovic, the tennis legend might feel he has something to prove in 2025 after failing to win a Grand Slam in 2024 for the first time since 2017.
He did secure an Olympic gold medal, though, which was his primary goal for 2024. This means Djokovic has now won every significant honor in tennis, which raises questions about whether he can stay motivated on and off the court.
Djokovic's appointment of Murray as his coach sent a message to his rivals and the rest of the tennis world. Murray was one of Djokovic's greatest rivals, competing against him in seven Grand Slam finals.
Murray has never been a coach and only retired from tennis at this year's Olympics, but Djokovic thinks the two-time Wimbledon champion is the perfect choice because he can relate to his experiences on the biggest stages.
Djokovic hired Murray until at least the end of the Australian Open, and it is unknown if he will stay on the Serbian team beyond that date. Last year's Olympic gold medalist's excitement about the partnership might indicate he hopes it lasts beyond the Australian Open.
Fans might have to wait until the Australian Open to see Murray in Djokovic's team. PA reported that the Briton is not planning to join his former rival at the Brisbane International in a few weeks.
Although the story is unconfirmed by the men in question, it would not be a significant surprise if true. Murray was hired primarily to help Djokovic on the most important stages rather than to help with his technique or fitness.
That means Murray might prioritize being involved in the four Grand Slams and possibly some of the Masters 1000 tournaments that Djokovic chooses to enter. The former world No. 1 will use the ATP 250 event in Brisbane to prepare for the Australian Open.
Carlos Alcaraz also made a coaching change ahead of the 2025 season. Those moves from Djokovic and Alcaraz, two of the favorites for the Australian Open, add an additional level of intrigue to the year's opening Grand Slam.
