Novak Djokovic and his new coach Andy Murray will begin their preparations for next month’s Australian Open by playing at the Brisbane International, where Nick Kyrgios will return to court.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who is aiming for an 11th Melbourne Park crown, hired two-time Wimbledon champion Murray coach him through the 2025 opening major and throughout.
“He knows my game very well and everything I’ve been through,” Djokovic said in Spanish at a press conference ahead of his farewell match with Juan Martin del Potro in Buenos Aires. “He knows the wrong things in my game, all my mistakes.”
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Djokovic explained why he chose Murray as his new coach
Djokovic has been without a main coach since splitting from Goran Ivanisevic in March.
“We played against each other on the biggest stages of our sport, but in the end our friendship was bigger than our competition,” added Djokovic.
Djokovic will compete against Brisbane defender Grigor Dimitrov at the ATP 250 tournament, which starts on December 29. Live on Sky Sports Tennis.
Dane Holger Rohn and American Francis Tiafoe are also taking part, while Kyrgios will return to the court after playing just one match in the past two years due to repeated injuries.
The women’s tournament is equally impressive, featuring four top-10 players, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro and Daria Kasatkina.
Victoria Azarenka will also feature, rounding out 11 of the women’s top 20 players.
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Remember when Nick Kyrgios responded to a fan’s comment by bringing actor Ben Stiller into contention at Indian Wells 2022?
Raducanu will launch in Auckland
Emma Radukanu will start her season in Oakland
Britain Emma Raducanu will kick off the season in Auckland, New Zealand alongside Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, with the tournament kicking off live on December 30. Sky Sports Tennis.
Radukanu suffered an ankle injury in mid-October, but made a successful comeback in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup in Malaga, where he went unbeaten to help Great Britain reach the semi-finals.
Alcaraz adds an additional trainer
Carlos Alcaraz hires Samuel Lopez to work alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero
Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz has hired Samuel Lopez to work alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Lopez was a member of Spain’s Olympic team in 2000 and 2012, and Alcaraz, 21, believes the duo can help him return to the top of the rankings.
“I think Samuel is one of the best coaches we have on tour,” Alcaraz said. “They trust each other 100 percent and to be able to travel with both of them will be great for me. I think I will develop as a player because of them.
“I think we will work pretty hard and well for next season and next years. I hope we can have good results together.”
What’s next on Sky Sports Tennis?
- United Cup with Great Britain – December 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025
- Brisbane International (ATP 250) – December 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
- ASB Classic, Auckland (WTA 250) – December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into it Sky TVstreaming service NOW! and: The Sky Sports appthis year giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport at no extra cost. Learn more here.
