Novak Djokovic set for warm-up tournament in deviation from normal strategy under new coach Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic will open his season with a warm-up tournament as he heads into 2025 playing at the Brisbane International which also sees the return of Nick Kyrgios.

Former World No.1 will play in the first week of the season from 29 December - 5 January and will play in Brisbane for the first time since 2009. Djokovic instead opted for the United Cup this season but has new coach Andy Murray in tow.

With that likely comes an altered schedule and time needed to get used to each other's way of working from rivals to being coached. But also after a poor 2024 at times, Djokovic cited a desire earlier in the week to attack the 2025 season and play more warm-up events.

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Going into the twilight of his career, it has become apparent that Djokovic's desire to pick and choose especially whilst not at the top level anymore won't bear fruit for his further ambitions.

But also he will be aiming to win his milestone 100th ATP Singles title and also 25th Grand Slam so it is all about ticking off the final parts of his resume. In his only previous appearance in Brisbane, he lost in the first round to Ernests Gulbis.

“I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena,” Djokovic said in a statement released. “I am looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember.”

2023 Brisbane champion Grigor Dimitrov, 2024 runner-up Holger Rune, Frances Tiafoe and of course Nick Kyrgios will be involved also. Aryna Sabalenka headlines the women's tournament.

For Djokovic with the absence of the main two (Alcaraz and Sinner) and also a fairly indifferent field in terms of their own form could either be a masterstroke or a disaster. It is yet unknown whether this will be Djokovic's only tournament prior to the Australian Open.