- Andy Murray announced in November that he will coach Novak Djokovic
- But he was absent from Djokovic's first tournament of the season in Brisbane.
- The British tennis legend was on a pre-planned family ski holiday.
Andy Murray was seen enjoying his New Year skiing instead of training his new pupil Novak Djokovic in Australia.
The couple shocked the tennis world when they announced their successful union in November, with Murray confirming he would oversee the Serbian legend's progress.
The deal was initially announced as a short-term one for pre-season training, before Murray was also part of Djokovic's preparation for the first Grand Slam of 2025 at the Australian Open.
Djokovic beat Murray in four Australian Open finals, a competition he has won 10 times on his way to 24 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic is already in Australia and warming up for the tournament at the Brisbane International, with the 37-year-old advancing into the last 16 on New Year's Eve thanks to a straight sets victory over Australian star Rinky Hijikata.
However, when asked how his collaboration with Murray was going following the victory, Djokovic revealed that the Briton was not currently with him, although the Serbian admitted that he was still taking advice from his old friend.
Andy Murray missed Novak Djokovic's first tournament since their partnership was revealed
Instead, Murray hit the slopes on a pre-planned family ski holiday over the New Year period.
Djokovic revealed Murray's absence from the Brisbane International ahead of the Australian Open
“He's actually skiing right now,” Djokovic said. 'He has a family ski trip so sending my love to the whole Murray family.
“I hope he doesn't get injured skiing before he comes to Melbourne…that wouldn't be great.”
'We spoke before the game, we communicate daily. I'm excited to have him on my team, my corner.
“For more than 20 years he's been in the net, but for the first time 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.
Added the caption: “I'm taking on some huge slopes as you can see but no injuries yet.”
Mail Sport had reported in December that Murray, who won the title in Brisbane in 2012 and 2013, was not expected to partner Djokovic at the tournament.
However, he is expected to be in their corner for the Australian Open which begins on Sunday, January 12.
The announcement in November that Murray would coach Djokovic shocked the tennis world.
The pair had been long-time rivals, but Murray retired from the sport over the summer.
Murray and Djokovic's interaction on social media comes after the Serb spoke last week about the “new look” his game has been given thanks to the partnership.
“Being on the same side of the net is really cool for a change because he's been one of my biggest rivals,” Djokovic had said on the ATP website.
“In a way, it was strange for me to share all these kinds of ideas about how I feel on the court, to share some of the secrets of what I'm going through, what I'm thinking, how I see my game with Someone who has always been one of the greatest rivals.
'But I am very happy and very grateful that he has agreed to work with me here in Australia.
'The 10 days we spent together were fantastic. I enjoyed every detail. He is very meticulous, very dedicated, very professional.
“He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the biggest rivals I've ever had. He knows the ins and outs of my game.
Djokovic continued: “He's also recently played on the tour, so he knows all the other top players in the world right now, the young players and the weaknesses and strengths of their game.” So I'm looking forward to it, really.
“I think he's bringing a new look to my game and I think I'll be able to benefit from that, certainly on the tennis court. But also because of that kind of champion mentality that he has, I'm sure we'll fit in very well.”