Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray to part ways, Coco Gauff-led USA win United Cup? | 4 predictions for tennis this week

Tennis is back as the new season commenced with five tournaments across Australia and New Zealand, featuring the likes of Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and other top players. Everyone will be keen to get as many wins as possible with an eye of performing well at the Australian Open.

Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu's hopes of a strong start to the year were dented after a new injury scare forced her to withdraw from the ASB Classic. Sebastian Korda was another notable name dealing with a health issue as he withdrew from the Brisbane International, though the reason behind it remains unknown as of now.

Despite the injury woes of a few players, others will be keen to make the most of a clean slate and start the new year with a bang. With that in mind, here are four predictions for the week that may come to fruition:

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Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray's collaboration comes to an end

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Novak Djokovic made a huge move by hiring his former rival Andy Murray as his coach during the off-season. Their partnership is limited to the Australian swing for now, and the duo will re-evaluate their decision to work together after that.

Murray hasn't accompanied Djokovic to Brisbane, where he's currently participating in the lead-up to the Australian Open. The Serb won his first-round matches in both singles as well as doubles. The Brit will arrive in Melbourne in time for the Australian Open.

What comes of their partnership remains to be seen, though this doesn't seem like a long-term prospect for both parties. While they might not announce their split immediately to avoid courting attention, it's unlikely that this star pairing lasts beyond the season's first Major.

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Coco Gauff leads USA to its second United Cup title

Coco Gauff at the United Cup 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Coco Gauff closed out the 2024 season on a high, with titles at the China Open and the WTA Finals. She has picked up from where she left off and has started the new season in fine form as well. Her United Cup debut has gone smoothly, and she won both of her singles ties in straight sets.

Teaming up with Taylor Fritz, who was part of Team USA's triumph at the inaugural edition of the United Cup in 2023, they won both of their mixed doubles matches too. The 27-year-old did lose his first singles tie against Felix Auger-Aliassime but bounced back to beat Borna Coric.

Fritz has been in great form too, with runner-up finishes at the ATP Finals and the US Open in recent months. Together with Gauff, they make a formidable pair, and could lead their country to another United Cup title by the end of this week.

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Naomi Osaka to win the first title of her comeback at the ASB Classic

Naomi Osaka at the China Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Naomi Osaka is a four-time Major champion and a former World No. 1. She returned to action following maternity break in 2024, and tasted a decent level of success, though she didn't match her previous career highs. Naturally, she has high expectations from herself given her achievements.

Osaka recently stated that she doesn't want to be a journeywoman if her results don't improve. That must have weighed heavily on her mind as she kicked off the new season. She appears to be motivated to recapture her past glory, and scored a 6-4, 6-4 win over Lina Glushko in the first round of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Osaka has a favorable draw, and if she continues to improve with every round, then she could claim the first title of her comeback here. She will take on Julia Grabher in the second round on Wednesday (January 1).

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Nick Kyrgios to potentially go another hiatus after his loss at the Brisbane International

Nick Kyrgios with Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Nick Kyrgios commenced his comeback after being away from the sport for two years at the Brisbane International. He teamed up with Djokovic in doubles and won the first match of his comeback. However, he couldn't replicate the same feat in singles, and lost to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in three close sets.

Kyrgios also felt discomfort in his wrist during the match, which is even more concerning than his loss. While he decided to soldier on this time, he could exercise some caution and potentially miss out on his next few tournaments.

He underwent wrist surgery in 2023, and he's unlikely to put unnecessary strain on it to ruin his progress thus far. Kyrgios' situation will be more clear after he takes to the court with Djokovic for his doubles match on Wednesday (January 1).