BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios made a dynamic return to the court as they paired up in doubles at the Brisbane International in preparation for the Australian Open. The two former Wimbledon finalists advanced to the second round with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-8 victory over Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies.
Kyrgios, who had been sidelined for 18 months due to wrist and knee injuries, teamed up with Djokovic, who had missed the ATP Finals last month due to an unspecified injury. The duo delighted the crowd at Pat Rafter Arena with their skillful play and on-court chemistry.
One of the standout moments of the match came in the first set when Djokovic executed a spectacular around-the-net backhand winner, drawing cheers from the spectators. Kyrgios, in turn, displayed his shot-making prowess, including a remarkable between-the-legs shot known as a tweener, which further electrified the atmosphere.
Following a point won by Kyrgios with an ace, the pair celebrated by jumping in the air and chest-bumping each other, showcasing their camaraderie and mutual respect. Djokovic remarked on their efforts to engage the crowd, saying, “We tried to get the crowd on our side. Get that energy and just use it for some good tennis.”
Reflecting on his return to competitive play, Kyrgios expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “This injury has been brutal for me so I wasn’t taking any of this for granted.” The Australian player emphasized his appreciation for the energy of the moment and his joy at being back on the court.
Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open singles champion and holder of a record 24 majors, highlighted the significance of teaming up with Kyrgios, noting their previous success together. Kyrgios had previously won the 2022 Australian Open doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis and expressed his satisfaction at reuniting with Djokovic before the upcoming Australian Open.
The Serbian champion echoed Kyrgios’ sentiments, emphasizing the pleasure of playing alongside his Australian counterpart and acknowledging the unique opportunity of their partnership. Djokovic, known for his dominance in singles competition, acknowledged his limited experience in doubles but welcomed the chance to collaborate with Kyrgios.
Given a wild-card entry into the doubles tournament, the pair is set to face the top-seeded team of Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the next round, setting the stage for further excitement and competition at the Brisbane International.
The friendly rivalry and mutual admiration between Djokovic and Kyrgios added an extra layer of intrigue to their doubles performance, captivating fans and showcasing the camaraderie and sportsmanship within the tennis community. As they look ahead to the Australian Open, both players have set the stage for an exciting and competitive start to the new season.
