Novak Djokovic is planning to return to competition next week (Image: Getty)

Novak Djokovic plans to return at next week’s Qatar Open, his first appearance since retiring injured in Australia.

Ahead of the tournament, the world No. 7 is set to link up with a familiar face. Djokovic’s training plans have sparked rumours that he will work with a new coach, but these have now been put to bed.

It comes days after Djokovic and Andy Murray reportedly decided to extend their coaching partnership.

Djokovic is hoping to be back in action at the ATP 500 event in Doha, which was upgraded from its previous ATP 250 status.

The 37-year-old has not played a match since retiring injured during his Australian Open semi-final. But Djokovic recently confirmed he was back to “100 per cent” and planned to travel to Doha to prepare for his next event.

As part of his pre-tournament preparations, Serbian outlet SportKlub confirmed that Djokovic would train with one of his old rivals – former world No. 7 Fernando Verdasco.

Aged 41, Verdasco has yet to officially retire but he’s already started coaching. The Spaniard has worked with Abdullah Shelbayh and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Novak Djokovic will reportedly extend his partnership with Andy Murray (Image: Getty)

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After confirming his intentions to practice with Djokovic in Doha, sparked chatter that he would be coaching the 24-time Grand Slam champion at his next tournament.

But these rumours have now been quashed, as SportKlub confirmed they never reported Verdasco would officially coach Djokovic.

“All that sounds nice except that – it’s not true,” journalist Vojin Velickovic wrote.

“Verdasco did tell me that Novak will first train with him when he takes the court at the Khalifa Stadium today, but someone googled it wrong on the translator and ‘translated’ that it means that the Spaniard will be his coach here.”

Verdasco spends time in Doha, so it’s no surprise he will be available as a practice partner for Djokovic. Ahead of the tournament, the 41-year-old took to Instagram to share a photo of himself on-site, waiting for the players to arrive.

“Enjoying every moment,” he wrote. “And very special people are about to arrive in #Doha.”

While Verdasco may not be coaching Djokovic, the Serb has reportedly extended his partnership with Murray. At the end of 2024, Murray and Djokovic confirmed they would work together during the off-season and Australian Open.

The Brit was seen watching Djokovic’s matches from his courtside coaching pod in Melbourne. After Djokovic’s semi-final retirement, both men said they needed to discuss their future.

According to The Times, if present discussions go well, Murray will work with Djokovic through to the French Open and Wimbledon. They could potentially meet up at next month’s Indian Wells Masters.