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Novak Djokovic is currently participating in the Brisbane International, though his new coach, three-time Major champion Andy Murray, is far away from him at the moment. The Brit is enjoying some family time before heading Down Under, and the Serb shared his concerns about his coach's skiing getaway.
Djokovic also gave his verdict on his former coach Goran Ivanisevic's new collaboration with Elena Rybakina. It was a case of new year, same old woes for Emma Raducanu, who suffered another injury setback to start her 2025 season.
Nick Kyrgios returned to the tour after a lengthy absence as he dealt with a couple of injuries over the last two years. His comeback could be in slight jeopardy after a potential injury concern.
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Novak Djokovic expresses his concern over his coach Andy Murray's skiing adventures
Novak Djokovic kicked off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Rinky Hijikata in singles. Having hired former rival Andy Murray as his new coach during the off-season, the Brit isn't by his side by the moment.
During his post-match interview, Djokovic stated that his coach is currently on a family ski trip. He expressed hope that there aren't any mishaps that would prevent him from joining the camp.
"He’s actually skiing at the moment, he has a family skiing trip. Sending my love to all the Murray family. I hope he doesn’t get injured, you know skiing before he comes to Melbourne. That wouldn’t be great,” the Serb said.
Murray had a response ready in his usual tongue-in-cheek style and shared a video of him enjoying his time in the mountains without sustaining any injuries.
"I’m taking on some huge slopes as you can see but no injuries just yet 😂," Murray posted on X.
Djokovic will take on Gael Monfils in the second round on Thursday (January 2). He was also participating in doubles with Nick Kyrgios, and the two lost to top seeds Nikola Metkic and Michael Venus on Wednesday.
Emma Raducanu withdraws from the ASB Classic
Emma Raducanu's hopes of a strong showing at the Australian Open 2025 have taken a hit. She was forced to withdraw from the ASB Classic on Tuesday (December 31) due to a back injury. With the season's first Major starting from January 12, she will now race against time in order to be fully fit for it.
Raducanu felt that something was wrong with her back soon after her arrival in Auckland for the ASB Classic. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't manage to deal with the situation and pulled out of the tournament on the day of her match.
"I've tried my best to be ready. I love Auckland and the fans here. But unfortunately I’ve picked up a back niggle and I won’t be ready in time," Emma Raducanu said.
Raducanu skipped most of the Asian swing as well starting from September after picking up an injury. Her physical woes have limited her tournament appearances over the last two years, and she underwent multiple surgeries in 2023 as well.
Novak Djokovic pleased with former coach Goran Ivanisevic's new partnership with Elena Rybakina
Novak Djokovic parted ways with his coach of nearly six years, Goran Ivanisevic, in March 2024. The latter has since joined former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina's camp as her new coach in November. The Serb was quizzed about his ex-coach's new gig in Brisbane, where he's currently competing.
Djokovic stated that he is happy for Ivanisevic. He further stated that he's a huge fan of Rybakina and likes her as a person. The two used to keep a track of her progress when they worked together as well.
"Well, I was actually happy, because we talked about -- you know, we actually like Rybakina, the way she plays and how she is as a person. When Goran used to work with me, we always liked to watch her play. So I was happy to hear the news that they are together," said Novak Djokovic, on his ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic's new job.
Rybakina has played quite well under Ivanisevic's tutelage so far. The United Cup 2025 marks their first tournament together, and she has won all of her singles and doubles ties so far.
Potential injury scare for Nick Kyrgios just days into his comeback
Nick Kyrgios' comeback started on a positive note as he won his very first match, albeit in doubles, upon his return. He teamed up with Djokovic to win his doubles match at the Brisbane International 2025. He took on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round of singles, and the latter beat him 7-6 (2), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3).
While Kyrgios gave a good account of himself, he felt some discomfort in his wrist during the match. He underwent wrist surgery during his time away from the tour, and this could potentially throw a wrench in his comeback.
Kyrgios took to the court the next day for his second-round doubles match with Djokovic, and they came up short in it. The fact that he still played should alleviate some concerns regarding his injury, but after being away from the tour for two years, his body could take some time to get used to the physicality of the sport.
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