Novak Djokovic gives reasons why Andy Murray won’t be with him at the Monte Carlo Masters
The last time Andy Murray was not in Novak Djokovic's team was at the Qatar Open, where he exited in the first round.
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Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Tie Break Ten)
Novak Djokovic has enjoyed a rejuvenated form since his partnership with coach Andy Murray. It was self-evident at the Miami Open where he reached the final. However, the Serbian would be without his coach and former rival at the Monte Carlo Masters; rather, he has taken his brother Marko Djokovic along with him.
Djokovic and Murray have formed a blockbuster player-coach relationship during the off-season, just months after the British legend officially retired from professional tennis. Murray has since guided the 24-time Grand Slam champion to a semi-final finish at the Australian Open in January and runners-up in Miami.
Nonetheless, the former World No.1 will not be in Monaco for this week’s Masters 1000 event. Djokovic has been without the Murray twice this season. First, in Brisbane, where he exited in the quarter-finals. Then, at the Qatar Open, where he lost to Matteo Berrettini in the first round.
Without Djokovic in his team, Djokovic has his brother Marko with him. He revealed during his press conference that Murray was never part of the agreement to work with him at the Monte Carlo Masters.
It was never part of the agreement to work with Andy this week. I was thinking about who I wanted anyone apart from my fitness coach and physio, and my brother Marko was able to join me, so that helps me on a different level emotionally. Have some time with my brother and spend some time with him on the road.
Novak Djokovic said
Djokovic is chasing a 100th ATP Tour singles title at the ATP 1000 Masters tournament. He has not won a tour-level title since claiming the 2023 ATP Finals title in Turin. His much-awaited Olympic gold medal is not counted as an ATP title.
Noval Djokovic reveals what Andy Murray is occupied with after missing from his team
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have built a very successful relationship on and off the court. The duo have known each other since playing in the juniors and then becoming rivals as professionals. Now their relationship has grown as coach and player. During the aforementioned press conference, Djokovic was asked if he knew where Murray was at.
I have no idea, to be honest. I spoke to him about, four or five days ago, and he was back home. I mean, obviously occupied with family and I guess he’s working on his golf swing that that’s his priority, I guess, this week.
Novak Djokovic said
Djokovic will hope to win the Monte Carlo title. The two-time champion reached the semi-finals last year before eventually losing to Casper Ruud in three sets.
Novak Djokovic doesn’t have a high expectation at Monte Carlo
Novak Djokovic played his best tennis this season at the Miami Open. The World No.5 didn’t drop a set until the final against Jakub Mensik. However, at the Monte Carlo, his first clay tournament of the season, he doesn’t have high expectations of repeating his Miami Open run.
I am glad in Miami I found that joy on the court and performance levels, so let’s see if I can carry that into clay. It is a different surface and I have not had much time to get used to this tournament so my expectations are not that high.
Novak Djokovic said
Djokovic is set to open his Monte Carlo campaign in the second round after a first-round bye. He will face Alejandro Tabilo, who defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round. Tabilo holds a 1-0 lead over Djokovic in their head-to-head record.
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