For now, Murray’s family skiing trip serves as a reminder that, while tennis is a constant commitment, prioritizing personal time is essential for the mental and emotional health of even the sport’s most prominent athletes.
Novak Djokovic kicked off his 2025 season with a strong start at the Brisbane
International, claiming a dominant 6-3, 6-3 victory over Rinky Hijikata in the
opening round. His performance was solid, but the presence of his new coach, Andy Murray, was notably missing from his
player’s box. The two had announced prior to the season that they would be
working together at least until the end of the Australian Open, making
Murray’s absence from the first event of the year curious.
Djokovic’s decision to play in Brisbane this year marked his first time back at
the tournament since 2009, when he was eliminated early in the first round.
Despite his mixed history in the city, this year’s tournament marked a
promising start for the Serbian, especially as he also triumphed in a doubles
match with Australian Nick Kyrgios the day before his singles victory.
However, one key difference this time around was the absence of his new
coach, Andy Murray. As fans and analysts speculated on the reasons behind
Murray’s absence, Djokovic revealed that there was no grand drama—Murray
was simply away on a family skiing trip. In a light-hearted comment, Djokovic
sent his well-wishes to the Murray family, adding a touch of humor by hoping
that his coach doesn’t suffer an injury while skiing before they meet in
Melbourne for the Australian Open.
“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,” Djokovic remarked, clarifying the situation after his
win.
This revelation, while straightforward, left fans with plenty to consider about
the pair’s partnership. After more than two decades of fierce competition on
the tennis courts, Djokovic and Murray are now on the same side of the court,
with the former rival offering his expertise to Djokovic. The Serbian player
expressed how excited he was to have Murray as part of his team, noting the
unique dynamic between them, given Murray’s strategic brilliance on the
court. Djokovic remarked that having a legend like Murray, known for his
intelligence and attention to detail, would certainly help him sharpen his
game, particularly in areas like court positioning and fine-tuning small aspect
s of his play.
“What I have been getting from him already is really positive,” Djokovic said.
“But we haven’t spent too many days on the court together, so I look forward
to having him in Melbourne.” Djokovic is optimistic that their collaboration
will pay off, especially at the Australian Open, where both players are focusing
their energy.
While Murray’s absence from the Brisbane tournament is a minor hiccup, the
absence underscores the growing importance of work-life balance in the elite
world of tennis. Murray’s decision to spend time with his family, away from
the courts, speaks to a broader trend of athletes seeking time for personal
pursuits. However, given the advancements in technology and
communication, Murray can still provide guidance from afar. It’s likely that
he’s watching Djokovic’s matches from a distance, keeping up with the
Serbian’s performance via streaming and offering advice remotely.
Murray’s absence also didn’t seem to affect Djokovic’s form, as he comfortably
moved through to the second round of the tournament, where he will face Gael
Monfils, a player with whom he has an undefeated 19-0 record. Djokovic is
undoubtedly hoping to extend this streak and build momentum heading into
the Australian Open.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the world will continue to watch Djokovic and
Murray’s partnership with great interest. For now, Djokovic remains focused
on his goals for the Australian Open, knowing that his new coach will be back
in his corner soon enough. But for the moment, it’s clear that Murray’s family
skiing holiday is a reminder that, while tennis is a year-round pursuit, taking
time for personal moments is just as crucial for the mental and emotional well-
being of even the sport’s biggest stars.
