"I hope he doesn't get injured": Novak Djokovic gives reason why Andy Murray isn't at Brisbane International
ATP
Novak Djokovic opened up his 2025 season at the Brisbane International taking down Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-3 and will now face one of his greatest ever opponents in terms of Head to Head in Gael Monfils. But why isn't Andy Murray there? The Serbian has the answer.
Monfils next has a 19-0 Head to Head deficit and it could become 20-0 in one of the most unwanted tennis records as the most lopsided in the modern era.
Murray fared slightly better but is now in Djokovic's corner over against him which will be an interesting dynamic and one that the Serbian hopes isn't with an injured Murray when he emerges with him at the Australian Open.
Djokovic said he is currently skiing and is on a family holiday. Presumably this was booked before he decided to team up with the 24-time Grand Slam champion and he will then join up with Djokovic in Melbourne. Albeit he has had some wisdom with a phone call to him before the match as well as spending the last month or so with him training in an intensive block.
"He’s actually skiing at the moment. He’s on a family skiing trip. Sending my love to all the Murray family. I hope he doesn’t get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne”
“We spoke before the match. I’m excited to have him in my team. For 20+ years he’s been across the net. For the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court. Should be fun in Melbourne.”
So while he isn't there, he is already influencing Djokovic whilst on the slopes. It will be one of the main talking points in Melbourne and he has started his season as he does most aside from 2022 with a win in his near flawless record. Next up Monfils.
Djokovic after beating Hijikata in first match of the season in Brisbane
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 31, 2024
“Andy Murray is helping you to start at the Australian Open. Wherever he is.. do you have a message for him about how you felt like you played?”
Novak: “He’s actually skiing at the moment. He’s on a family… pic.twitter.com/qTetkBrQjU
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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