Novak Djokovic is set to miss his coach Andy Murray at Brisbane

Andy Murray will not be accompanying the Serbian Novak Djokovic in his first tournament of the 2025 season. Djokovic is set to kick off his campaign at the Brisbane International, an ATP 250 event scheduled to run from December 29 to January 5.

Djokovic set to miss Murray in his opening tournament 

This tournament marks the return for the 37-year-old tennis star, as it will be his first appearance at the Brisbane International since 2009. Djokovic expressed enthusiasm about starting his Australian swing at Brisbane.

Djokovic made waves in the tennis world last month by declaring that Murray, one of his fiercest former rivals, would be taking on the role of his new coach. The two clashed on the court a total of 36 times from 2006 to 2017, with Djokovic decisively leading the rivalry with a 25-11 record.

As a 24-time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic had been without a dedicated coach—aside from a brief stint with Nenad Zimonjic—ever since he ended his highly successful partnership with Goran Ivanisevic in March.

Novak Enters the tournament as a favourite

Novak Djokovic, currently ranked seventh, is poised to be the top seed in the upcoming Brisbane tournament. Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, who holds the No. 10 spot in the rankings, will be the second-highest seed in the competition.

The field also features other notable top-20 players, including Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe. In total, 19 players from the ATP's top 50 have entered, promising a highly competitive event. Additionally, the tournament also marks the return of Nick Kyrgios.

“I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember,” Novak said.

"I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena," Novak added.