 "Novak Djokovic includes brother Marko in coaching team ahead of Monte Carlo Open: 'I have no idea where Murray is'")
Novak Djokovic is set to begin his Monte Carlo Masters campaign with a fresh but familiar face in his corner, his younger brother Marko Djokovic. With Andy Murray absent for the tournament, Djokovic has brought in Marko to provide both coaching input as he eyes his 100th ATP title.
The 37-year-old Serbian star, who split from longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, began working with former rival Andy Murray at the start of the season. However, Djokovic confirmed that their partnership never included Monte Carlo, with Murray expected to rejoin him later this month at the Madrid Open.
“I have no idea, to be honest, where Murray is. I spoke to him four or five days ago, he was back home, probably working on his golf swing because that’s his priority this week,” Djokovic joked when asked about his new coach’s whereabouts.
Marko joins brother Djokovic’s coaching team
In the meantime, Djokovic has turned to Marko, a former player who reached a career-high ranking of 574 in 2019. The world No.5 said his brother’s presence brings emotional stability on tour, adding, “To have some time with him on the road, I don’t get to see him much, it’s great for me.”
Djokovic enters Monte Carlo still searching for his first title since the Tokyo Olympics, having recently lost the Miami Open final to teen sensation Jakub Mensik. During that match, Djokovic appeared to struggle with an eye issue, which he later clarified was caused by a mild viral infection.
Despite the setback, Djokovic is optimistic about his form heading into the clay-court season. “I’m glad I found that joy again on court in Miami. It’s more about trying to get matches and to peak towards the end of the clay season,” he noted.
Djokovic has received a first-round bye in Monte Carlo but faces a challenging draw ahead. He could meet Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals and Alexander Zverev in the semis, while Carlos Alcaraz and Andrey Rublev are potential threats in the opposite half of the bracket.
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