Andy Murray hits the ski slopes on family holiday ahead of Australian Open – as he misses Novak Djokovic’s first tournament since their sensational coaching partnership was announced

Andy Murray was spotted enjoying his New Year’s skiing instead of coaching new signing Novak Djokovic in Australia.

The pair shocked the tennis world when they announced their successful partnership in November, with Murray confirming he would oversee the legendary Serbian’s progress.

The deal was initially announced as a short-term pre-season deal, before Murray was also set to be part of Djokovic’s line-up for the first Grand Slam of 2025 at the Australian Open.

Djokovic defeated Murray in four Australian Open finals, a match he won 10 times on his way to 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic is already Down Under and warming up for the tournament at the Brisbane International, with the 37-year-old reaching the last 16 on New Year’s Eve thanks to a straight sets win over Australian star Rinky Hijikata.

However, when asked how his partnership with Murray was going after the win, Djokovic revealed that the Briton was not with him at the moment, although the Serbian did admit that he was still receiving advice from his old friend.

Murray instead hit the slopes on a pre-planned family ski holiday over the New Year period

Djokovic revealed Murray’s absence from the Brisbane International ahead of the Australian Open

“He’s skiing right now,” Djokovic said. “He has a family ski trip, so I’m sending my love to the whole Murray family.

“I hope he doesn’t get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne… that wouldn’t be great.

‘We spoke before the match, we communicate daily. I’m happy to have him on my team, my corner.

“He’s been on the other side of the net for over 20 years, but for the first time ever he’s on the same side of the pitch as me, so it should be fun in Melbourne.”

Murray saw Djokovic’s comments on social media and hilariously responded with a video of himself skiing.

He added the caption: “I’m climbing some huge hills as you can see but no injuries yet.”

Mail Sport reported in December that Murray, who won the Brisbane title in 2012 and 2013, was not expected to accompany Djokovic at a tournament.

However, he is expected to be in his corner for the Australian Open, which kicks off on Sunday, January 12.

The announcement in November that Murray would coach Djokovic shocked the tennis world

The pair were long-time rivals, but Murray retired from the sport over the summer

Murray and Djokovic’s interaction on social media comes after the Serbian spoke last week of the “fresh look” the partnership has brought to his game.

“It’s actually great to be on the same side of the net for a change because he has been one of my biggest rivals,” Djokovic had said on the ATP website.

‘In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the pitch, to share some secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with someone who has always been a has been one of the biggest rivals.

“But I’m so happy and grateful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.

‘The ten days we spent together were wonderful. I enjoyed every bit of it. He’s very meticulous, he’s very dedicated, so professional.

“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the biggest rivals I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.’

Djokovic continued: ‘He has also played on the tour until recently, so he knows all the other best players in the world, the young ones and the weaknesses and strengths in their game. So I’m looking forward to it, really.

‘I think he brings a fresh perspective to my game and I think I can undoubtedly benefit from that on the tennis court. But also the champion mentality that he has, I am sure that we will be able to match each other very well.’