Andy Murray confirms first event of 2023 season with Novak Djokovic also expected to play

ATP Tour

Shahida Jacobs
November 23, 2022

Andy Murray has revealed his first tournament for the new season as he will make his debut at the Adelaide International while Novak Djokovic is also rumoured to have signed up.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Murray is not part of Great Britain’s squad for the inaugural mixed-gender United Cup in Australia and will instead start his campaign at the ATP 250 event in South Australia.

“I’ll be starting the year in Australia, which I always really enjoy,” the former world No 1 said.

“Playing at the Adelaide International for the first time is something I’m looking forward to. The crowds in Australia love their tennis and they’ve always been very supportive.

“I’ve been working hard in the off season and the Adelaide International will be great preparation for the Australian Open. I’m looking forward to seeing what Adelaide and 2023 brings.”

Murray started his 2022 season in Melbourne, losing in the first round, before finishing runner-up at the Sydney International. He then fell in the second round of the Australian Open.

After an impressive first half of the season that saw him rise from No 134 to No 43, Murray struggled during final few weeks of the campaign dropped to No 49 in the ATP Rankings.

World No 15 Jannik Sinner will also feature in the main draw in Adelaide.

“I can’t wait to start my year in Adelaide,” the Italian said. “I have heard great things about the tournament, the city and the ease of the event. This is the perfect place to start my year.

“I was fortunate enough to participate in A Day at the Drive in 2021. I can’t wait to play a tour level event in Adelaide in 2023.”

21-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic will also start his 2023 ATP season at the Adelaide International, according to Serbian publication B92.

The former world No 1 will return to Australia next year after his three-year visa ban was overturned and he is set to play in the January 2-8 tournament at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre while he could also feature at the Kooyong Classic exhibition tournament from January 10-12.

Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova have signed up for the WTA 500 event which will run in conjunction with the men’s tournament.

Andy Murray Jannik Sinner Novak Djokovic