Novak Djokovic sends Andy Murray message after ‘important’ Brisbane win
Novak Djokovic joked that he hoped coach Andy Murray did not injure himself on a skiing trip after starting his season with an impressive win at the Brisbane International.
Djokovic’s season began with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 win over Australian Rinky Hijikata at the ATP 250 event, where the Serbian is the top seed.
The world No 7 is looking to win his 100th career title and prepare for his Australian Open campaign, where he is looking to claim a record-extending 11th crown.
Djokovic will work with Murray in Melbourne as he strives to win a historic 25th Grand Slam title.
However, the Brit is not with Djokovic in Brisbane, and speaking after his win the Serbian sent his new coach a special message.
“He’s [Murray] actually skiing at the moment,” said Djokovic.
“He has a family skiing trip – I’m 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. I’m excited to have him in my team, in my corner. For 20+ years, he’s been across the net, for the first time ever he’s on the same side of the court.
“It should be fun in Melbourne.”
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Djokovic needed just 75 minutes to dispatch Hijikata in what was a largely convincing display inside the Pat Rafter Arena.
The 37-year-old did not face a single break point and broke his opponent three times, including in the final game of the match to seal a decisive victory.
It was Djokovic’s first official match since the Shanghai Masters last October and there were few signs of rust for the former world No 1.
And the tennis legend admitted that while the win was “important”, he expected nothing less coming into the match.
He commented: “I always expect myself to do well on the court. Obviously, a win is a win. To start off the new season with a win is very important.
“I think Hijikata deserves a great round of applause for his performance tonight. He was really, really good and he definitely made me work for the win tonight.”
Djokovic will now face Gael Monfils in the second round after the Frenchman dispatched rising US star Nishesh Basavareddy in three sets on Tuesday.
The Serbian will be an overwhelming favourite to win that contest, having never tasted defeat in 19 tour-level meetings against the Frenchman.
Djokovic’s 19-0 head-to-head against Monfils is the most dominant men’s head-to-head of the ATP era.
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