Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at the 2022 Laver Cup
Andy Murray is set to miss Novak Djokovic’s first tournament of the 2025 season after being hired as the Serbian’s new coach.
Djokovic will begin his campaign at the Brisbane International, an ATP 250 event that will run from December 29 to January 5.
The 37-year-old, who will be making his first appearance at the Brisbane International since 2009, told the tournament’s website: “I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena.
“I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.”
Cam Pearson, the tournament director, said: “We are thrilled to have Novak headlining the Brisbane International 2025 along with [WTA] world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
“This is by far the strongest field the tournament has seen with 15 of the top-20 men and women players confirmed.”
Murray, however, is “not expected to accompany Djokovic” for the trip to Brisbane, according to a report by the PA news agency.
This means fans will have to wait for the 2025 Australian Open, which will be held from January 12-26, to see Djokovic in action with Murray in his coaching box.
Novak Djokovic News
Novak Djokovic’s 2025 tennis schedule: Tennis great set for shortened calendar
Carlos Alcaraz makes his feelings clear on Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray partnership
Djokovic shocked the tennis world last month when he announced that Murray, one of his biggest former rivals, would be his new coach. The duo faced off 36 times between 2006 and 2017, with the Serbian holding a 25-11 advantage.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had been without a coach — barring a brief collaboration with Nenad Zimonjic — since ending his hugely successful partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March.
Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1, called time on his glittering career after the 2024 Paris Olympics in August.
Djokovic, who is currently ranked seventh, is set to be the top seed in Brisbane, with world No 10 and defending champion Grigor Dimitrov the second-highest ranked entrant.
Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe are the other top 20 stars in the field, while 19 players currently in the ATP top 50 have entered.
The tournament will also mark Nick Kyrgios’ comeback from injury after the Aussie played just one match in the last two seasons. The former world No 13 has used his protected ranking of world No 21 to enter.
READ NEXT: Novak Djokovic ‘made it on his own’ and ‘proved anything is possible’, says ATP rival’s mother
