Novak Djokovic & new coach Andy Murray maintain secrecy about off-season training but here's one big clue
Novak Djokovic will launch his 2025 season with a very familiar face in his box, three-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1, Andy Murray. However, both members of the "Big 4" have so far remained tight-lipped about the commencement of their training.
A couple of social media posts, however, have suggested that the duo is inching closer to the highly-publicized collaboration. A Djokovic fan account posted a picture of the Serb, suggesting that he is in Marbella, Spain, where he maintains a mansion worth €10 million. The caption read:
"Novak in Marbella 🇪🇸"
On the same day, "Super Be Juicery," a breakfast and lunch eatery in Marbella, shared a post showing Andy Murray visiting the restaurant, with a backdrop of a gift-laden Christmas tree and festive decor.
"Hohoho, Murray Christmas, everyone! And happy holidays! A bit of a holiday cheer and a bit of athletic spirit is sure way to get this year started nice and healthy. Thanks champ @andymurray for visiting us! We hope to see you soon!"
The presence of both athletes in the resort city has led to speculation that Murray's coaching stint with Djokovic is set to get underway soon. The Serb will open his 2025 season playing doubles with Nick Kyrgios at the Brisbane International, participating in the ATP 250 tennis event for the first time since 2009.
In November this year, Novak Djokovic surprised the tennis world when he announced that Andy Murray would be joining his team in 2025. The Briton retired at the end of the Olympic Games this year, where Djokovic finally clinched the singles' Gold to complete his "career golden slam."
Novak Djokovic set to prioritize Grand Slams in 2025
After announcing his partnership with Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic has vowed to prioritize adding more Grand Slams to his tally of 24. At the same time, he has also resolved to enter more tournaments. Speaking earlier this month, The Serb said (via Gazzetta dello Sport),
"Next year, I will play more tournaments, and the Grand Slams will be my priority. I will give my best to win, of course, if my body allows me to."
Djokovic split from his former coach, 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, in March. Daniel Vallverdu, who coached Murray from 2010-2014, has opined that teaming up with Murray will motivate Novak Djokovic, who did not win any major title in 2024. Vallverdu said (via The National),
“I think he brings a lot – and a lot more than people can think of as a first impression. I think he will bring motivation, he will bring a sense of, it’s them against the younger boys.”
Notably, Murray is not the only former No. 1 to join the Djokovic camp as a coach. Djokovic's collaboration with another former World No. 1, Andre Agassi, was short-lived. The Serb brought the 8-time Grand Slam champion on board in 2017 when the Serb was struggling with injuries and poor form. Their collaboration ended 11 months later in April 2018.