Novak Djokovic has confessed that he has “no idea” where Andy Murray is, as the Brit will not be coaching him at this week’s Monte-Carlo Masters. The Serb is back in action for the first time since he suffered defeat in the recent Miami Open final, where Murray watched on from his box.
The world No. 5 has agreed to link back up with his old rival later on in the clay season. For now, he will be working with a familiar face as his temporary coach this week. But Djokovic isn’t expecting big things from his first tournament on the dirt.
Djokovic and Murray formed a blockbuster player-coach partnership during the off-season, less than four months after the Brit officially retired from professional tennis. Murray has since been seen in the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s box and most recently joined him in Indian Wells and Miami.
However, the retired former No. 1 is not in Monaco for this week’s Masters 1000 event. Djokovic has now confirmed that the Monte-Carlo Masters was never part of their working agreement.
“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.”
Instead, Djokovic will be mentored by his younger brother, Marko. A former player himself, Marko reached a career-high ranking of No. 574 in 2019 and played a few tour-level events.
I’m here with my brother, my brother is helping me as a tennis coach role this week,” the two-time former champion in Monte-Carlo said.
“It was never part of the program or an agreement in the schedule to work with Andy this week. So I was thinking about who I want, if I want to have anybody besides my fitness coach and physio.
“And then Marko, my brother was happy to join me so, of course, that helps me on a different level, emotionally as well. I mean, to have my brother spend some time with him as well on the road, I don’t get to see him much, so it’s great for me.
