(Reuters) – Novak Djokovic’s new head coach Andy Murray missed the Serbian’s season opener on Tuesday due to a family skiing trip but is offering advice from the slopes ahead of the Australian Open with his employer hoping the Scot does not get injured.
The two former world number ones were fierce adversaries on the court, playing each other 36 times, and fans went wild as they announced in November that the retired Murray would step into the coaches box for Djokovic.
The pair appear to have struck up an easy rapport, even as Murray was a long way from the Brisbane International as Djokovic kicked off his season with a routine straight sets win over local favourite Rinky Hijikata.
“He’s actually skiing at the moment,” the 24-times major winner Djokovic said on court. “He has a family skiing trip – sending my love to all the 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’re communicating daily, so I’m excited to have him in my team, in my corner.”
Murray responded with a video of himself gingerly gliding down a modest ski hill: “I’m taking on some huge slopes as you can see but no injuries just yet,” he said.
Djokovic picked up the only key piece of hardware missing from his trophy case in Paris this year by winning Olympic gold.
The 37-year-old said he was excited about what three-times major winner Murray can add as the world number seven bids for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title in January.
“For 20-plus years he’s been across the net,” said Djokovic. “For the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court so it should be fun in Melbourne.”
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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