Djokovic and Kyrgios Make 'Awesome' Doubles Debut with Victory

Djokovic and Kyrgios Make 'Awesome' Doubles Debut with Victory

The idea of Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios teaming up on the court once seemed almost impossible. Their long-standing feud, filled with sharp remarks and public disagreements, made the notion of a partnership hard to fathom. Djokovic had previously admitted to not having much respect for Kyrgios off the court, while the Australian had described the Serbian as a "tool" and a "strange cat" with an obsessive need to be liked.

However, fast forward a few years, and the once-squabbling pair are now close friends, making their doubles debut together at the Brisbane International. The duo delivered an entertaining and thrilling performance, securing a 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 10-8 win over Austria’s Alexander Erler and Germany’s Andreas Mies in front of an enthusiastic, sell-out crowd.

The celebratory chest-bump after their third match point victory symbolized the surprising and unexpected friendship that has blossomed between the two. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, expressed his enjoyment of the experience. "That was awesome," he said. "I want to thank Nick for playing. He said it should be a pleasure to play with him, and it was a pleasure. I'm glad to share the court with him on his comeback."

Their relationship began to thaw in 2022 when Kyrgios publicly supported Djokovic during his deportation saga in Australia, and it has continued to strengthen over time. However, prior to the match, Kyrgios was uncertain about how things would go, especially considering it was his first competitive match in 18 months after recovering from a wrist ligament injury that had nearly ended his career.

Despite these concerns, Kyrgios immediately silenced any doubts about his physical state with a dominant hold to love in the opening game. "What a game I played, huh," Djokovic joked, highlighting the powerful form Kyrgios displayed from the outset. The pair’s comfort with each other was evident as they laughed and joked during the match, with the chemistry between the two becoming clear.

As the match progressed, Djokovic and Kyrgios continued to entertain the crowd, with the 37-year-old Serbian providing two incredible moments. He made a stunning backhand through the gap between the net post and umpire’s chair and later lobbed perfectly to set up two set points. Kyrgios sealed the first set with a forehand winner that clipped the line, prompting wild celebrations from both players and the crowd.

The second set was another close battle, with Kyrgios showcasing his trademark style with a cheeky tweener and sharp volley, much to the delight of the fans. While Erler and Mies managed to level the match, the superior skills of Djokovic and Kyrgios ensured they would return for another performance later in the week.

Reflecting on his comeback, Kyrgios admitted how important the match was to him. "This injury has been brutal for me, so I wasn't taking any of this for granted," he said. "I don’t know how many Aussie summers I have left. We promised we would do this one time before he goes or I go. So I'm glad we're still alive." The duo’s victory not only marked a successful debut but also reinforced the strength of their unexpected partnership.