Novak Djokovic explains Andy Murray's absence from his team ahead of his Monte Carlo debut

Novak Djokovic will continue his pursuit of a 100th career title this week at the Monte-Carlo Masters, the first major clay-court tournament of the season. The Serbian star, who has yet to win a title this year, will be without one of the most notable additions to his coaching team, Andy Murray.

Speaking to the press, according to The Indian Express, Djokovic revealed that he has “no idea” where Murray is. However, this does not mean the two are parting ways. Their current arrangement was mutually agreed upon.

“I have no idea, to be honest,” Djokovic joked when asked. “I spoke to him about four or five days ago, and he was back home. He is obviously occupied with family, and I guess he is working on his golf swing. That is his priority, I guess, this week,” he said.

“It was never part of the plan or the agreement for Andy to be here this week. So I was thinking about whether I want to have anyone else with me besides my fitness coach and physio,” he added.

Djokovic and Murray during a practice session in Miami (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Djokovic also brought his brother with him to Monte Carlo, saying, “He is helping me on a different level, emotionally as well. I do not get to see him much, so it is great for me to have him on the road.”

Djokovic gives health update after Miami Open loss

Last week, Djokovic made a surprise run to the Miami Open final but lost in straight sets to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, who has since broken into the ATP Top 25. Djokovic is now set to face either Stan Wawrinka or Alejandro Tabilo in the second round of Monte Carlo.

Fans noticed that Djokovic appeared to struggle with an eye issue during the Miami final. While he avoided specifics at the time, he opened up more ahead of Monte Carlo.

“It was in doubt, particularly because of the eye infection and a bit of a viral infection I was dealing with last week,” he said. “But it seems to be okay these days. Not ideal.”

“As for the eye, unfortunately it started on the day of the semifinals in Miami, so I did struggle with it in the final. But it is calming down now. I am visiting the doctor later today, so we will see. I should be okay for the first round here,” he added.