As the clay courts of Monte-Carlo glistened under the Mediterranean sun on April 7, 2025, Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, arrived in Monaco with a mix of determination and mystery swirling around him. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, gearing up for the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, found himself without his high-profile coach, Andy Murray, whose absence has sparked curiosity and a touch of humor in the tennis world. With the tournament set to kick off, Djokovic offered a candid and lighthearted take on the situation, admitting, “I have no idea, to be honest,” when pressed about Murray’s whereabouts. Instead, he’s leaning on a familiar face—his brother Marko—to fill the void, adding an emotional layer to his clay-season debut.
Djokovic’s partnership with Murray, a former rival turned coach, has been a blockbuster storyline since it began earlier this year. The duo’s collaboration has already delivered results, with Djokovic reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open and the final at the Miami Open, where he fell just short of his 100th ATP title against the rising Czech star Jakub Mensik. But as the clay season dawns, Murray’s absence from Monte-Carlo has raised eyebrows. Djokovic, ever the pragmatist, clarified that this wasn’t a sudden disappearance but a planned break. “It was never part of the agreement to work with Andy this week,” he explained, suggesting their reunion is slated for the Madrid Open later in April. For now, though, the Scot seems to have traded tennis courts for fairways. “I spoke to him about four or five days ago, and he was back home,” Djokovic chuckled. “Occupied with family and, I guess, he’s working on his golf swing because that’s his priority this week.”
In Murray’s stead, Marko Djokovic steps into the spotlight, a move that’s more than just a logistical fix—it’s a heartfelt homecoming. A former player himself, Marko once peaked at No. 574 in the world rankings and even teamed up with Novak for doubles at this very tournament in 2019. “My brother Marko was able to join me, so that helps me on a different level emotionally,” Djokovic shared, his voice softening. “To have some time with him on the road—I don’t get to see him much—it’s great for me.” It’s a rare glimpse into the personal side of a man often defined by his steely focus, a reminder that even a tennis titan cherishes family amid the grind of the tour.
Djokovic’s Monte-Carlo campaign comes on the heels of a rollercoaster start to 2025. After a semifinal run in Melbourne, where an injury forced him to retire against Alexander Zverev, and a shock early exit in Indian Wells, his Miami performance rekindled his fire. “We spoke about Miami—a bit of a bitter feeling in the end to lose the final,” he reflected. “But it was high-quality tennis from me. I hadn’t dropped a set until the final, served great, played well.” That joy on the court, he hopes, will carry over to the clay, despite a lingering health hiccup. A viral infection and an eye issue plagued him in Miami, but he’s optimistic. “It started on semifinals day in Miami, and I did struggle with it in the final, but it’s calming down,” he said, brushing off concerns with the resilience of a champion.
The road ahead in Monte-Carlo won’t be easy. As the third seed, Djokovic enjoys a first-round bye but could face a blockbuster second-round clash with Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner, if the Swiss veteran overcomes Alejandro Tabilo. The draw is stacked with threats—Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Britain’s Jack Draper all lurk, each hungry to make their mark on the clay. For Djokovic, it’s not just about surviving the gauntlet; it’s about peaking for the French Open, where he’s twice lifted the trophy. “It’s more about trying to get matches—as many as possible—and to peak towards the end of the clay season,” he mused, his eyes already on Paris.
As the tournament unfolds, Djokovic’s quip about Murray’s vanishing act lingers like a well-timed drop shot—playful yet poignant. With Marko by his side and a milestone 100th title still in his sights, the Serbian star is ready to write the next chapter of his clay-court saga. Whether Murray’s perfecting his golf swing or simply savoring family time, one thing’s certain: Djokovic’s Monte-Carlo journey promises drama, heart, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness that’s defined his career. The tennis world watches, racket in hand, eager to see what’s next.