Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic secure thrilling doubles victory in Brisbane

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios secured a memorable doubles victory at the Brisbane International on Sunday, winning 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 10-8 against Austria's Alexander Erler and Germany's Andreas Mies in their first-ever partnership.

The match marked a special moment for both players, with Kyrgios returning to competitive tennis after an 18-month hiatus due to a wrist injury. The duo delivered an entertaining performance in front of a boisterous sell-out crowd at Pat Rafter Arena, combining their unique skills and playful chemistry on court.

Kyrgios, known for his unpredictable and flamboyant style, showed little sign of rust as he blasted through the match with trademark power. A stunning tweener lob, followed by a sharp volley, delighted the crowd and showcased his flair. Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, also produced highlights, including a precise backhand threaded through a narrow gap and a flawless lob to secure set points in the opening set.

"We had a great time out there. It was awesome," Djokovic said after the win. "I'm so happy to play with Nick. He said it would be a pleasure, and it truly was. I'm glad to be back on court with him, especially with everything he’s been through with the injury."

Kyrgios, who hadn't played since June 2023, was just as thrilled. "I was surprised that Novak doubted himself at times. I kept reminding him, 'You're the greatest of all time, just go for it!'" he said with a grin.

The duo’s chemistry was evident throughout, with the two frequently laughing and joking, a far cry from the tense moments that once characterised their rivalry. The bond between them began to thaw when Kyrgios defended Djokovic’s deportation from Australia in 2022, and it has since grown stronger, culminating in this doubles debut.

For Kyrgios, this victory was especially significant as it came after a challenging period recovering from his wrist injury. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to team up with Djokovic, acknowledging that he wasn't sure how many more Australian summers he had left in him.

"The injury has been brutal for me, and I wasn't taking any of this for granted," Kyrgios said. "We promised each other we'd play together once, before either he or I move on from this. I'm so glad we could make it happen."

The win marked a solid start for the duo in the 2024 tennis season, and they will return to doubles action later this week, where they will face top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.