ANDY MURRAY was spotted enjoying his New Year skiing instead of coaching Novak Djokovic in Australia.
The three-time Grand Slam champion retired from tennis in emotional after the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Scot then shocked his fans by signing up to work with one of his biggest rivals in the build-up to the Australian Open.
But Murray, 37, was missing as his old adversary took care of Aussie wildcard Rinky Hijikata by a 6-3, 6-3 scoreline at the Brisbane International event on New Years Eve.
The agreement was initially announced as a short term one for pre-season training, before Murray joined Djokovic’s set-up for the first Grand Slam of 2025.
But before linking up with his former rival, Murray had planned a short trip with wife Kim and their four children.
Djokovic paired with Nick Kyrgios in doubles this week, and after their match he was asked about the Scot’s absence from his box.
He said: “He’s actually skiing at the moment. He has a family ski trip, and I’m sending all my love to 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. I’m excited to have him in my team, my corner.
“For 20-plus years he’s been across the net, but for the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court 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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Novak Djokovic appoints Andy Murray as his coach just months after tennis legend announced retirement” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6365092345112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]He added the caption: “I’m taking on some huge slopes as you can see but no injuries just yet.”
Murray is expected to be in the Serb’s corner for the Australian Open which gets underway on January 12.
Djokovic added: “Being on the same side of the net is actually great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals.
“In a way it was strange for me to share all these kinds of insights about how I feel on the court, sharing some of the secrets of what I’m going through, what I’m thinking about, how I see my game with somebody that has been always one of the top rivals.
“‘But I’m so glad and very thankful that he has accepted to work with me here in Australia.”
Djokovic beat Murray in four Australian Open finals, a competition he has won 10 times on his way to 24 Grand Slam titles.