Andy Murray has not often confronted his as soon as nice rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in recent times; Nadal returns to motion after a yr out with harm; watch Murray face Grigor Dimitrov at Brisbane International reside on Sky Sports on New Year’s Day from 8.30am UK time

Andy Murray says he has missed the sensation of taking part in in opposition to rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal however stays hopeful of going through the pair within the latter phases of “big tournaments”.

Nadal, who’s making his return to aggressive motion – after virtually a full yr out with harm – on the Brisbane International, reside on Sky Sports, has not confronted Murray since 2016.

Murray, who can also be taking part in in Brisbane and can face Grigor Dimitrov from 8.30am on New Year’s Day reside on Sky Sports, has come again from a number of prolonged harm absences of his personal since then to return to the world’s high 50, however has confronted world No 1 Djokovic solely as soon as since 2017.

“Obviously I would like the opportunity to play against them again, ideally in the latter stages of big tournaments,” Murray stated in his pre-tournament press convention.

“That’s something that, you know, obviously I’ve missed that that feeling and not had that opportunity really. I can’t remember the last time I played them, to be honest.”

The final of Murray’s 36 tour-level conferences with Djokovic got here on the 2022 Madrid Masters, whereas the latest of his 24 clashes with Nadal was on the identical event in 2016.

Murray: I’ll maintain taking part in tennis so long as I get pleasure from it

Murray – who gained simply two matches in his closing 5 tournaments of 2023 – additionally spoke to the BBC about whether or not 2024 will likely be his final on the ATP Tour, saying: “If I used to be in a scenario like I used to be on the finish of final yr, then I most likely would not go once more.

“But if physically I’m doing well and my results are good and I’m playing well, then that’s enjoyable and I could see myself still playing.

“We’ll see how the yr goes, see how the physique holds up. If issues are going effectively, I’d like to maintain going. But if they are not, and I’m not having fun with it, it could possibly be the final yr, sure.”

Murray will begin his Brisbane campaign against No 2 seed Dimitrov.

“It’ll be an excellent match,” the 36-year-old Murray said.

“Grigor had a superb season final season. I performed in opposition to him on the US Open and he gained comfortably, so I’ll have to play rather well, definitely significantly better than there if I wish to get via it.”

The Brisbane International is reside on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Mix this week – watch Murray face Grigor Dimitrov reside on Sky Sports on New Year’s Day from 8.30am UK time