Once fierce rivals, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios have formed an unexpected partnership, showcasing their newfound camaraderie with a thrilling doubles debut at the Brisbane International. The duo triumphed in a closely fought 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 10-8 victory over Alexander Erler (Austria) and Andreas Mies (Germany), leaving fans entertained and wanting more.
A Partnership Nobody Saw Coming
The Djokovic-Kyrgios duo seemed improbable just a few years ago, given their heated history:
- Djokovic: Once said he had “not much respect” for Kyrgios off the court.
- Kyrgios: Called Djokovic a “tool” and criticized his “sick” obsession with being liked.
Their relationship began to thaw after Kyrgios offered public support to Djokovic during his controversial deportation from Australia in 2022. Fast forward to 2025, and the pair are now buddies on and off the court, delivering a spectacle in Brisbane.
A Memorable Match
First Set: Chemistry on Display
- Kyrgios opened with a commanding service game, quipping, “What a game I played, huh,” as Djokovic chuckled in response.
- Djokovic’s brilliance shone with a perfectly placed backhand threading between the net post and umpire’s chair, followed by a measured lob to set up the set points.
- Kyrgios sealed the opener with a blistering forehand winner, igniting cheers from the sell-out crowd.
Second Set: Vintage Kyrgios
- The set featured Kyrgios’ signature flair, including a tweener followed by a sharp volley at 3-3, prompting a delighted Djokovic to join in the celebrations.
- Erler and Mies rallied to force a match tiebreak, keeping the tension alive.
Match Tiebreak: Dramatic Finish
- Djokovic and Kyrgios prevailed 10-8 on their third match point, celebrating with a chest-bump that symbolized their growing bromance.
Post-Match Reactions
- Novak Djokovic:“That was awesome. I want to thank Nick for playing. He said it should be a pleasure to play with him, and it was.”
- Nick Kyrgios:“This injury has been brutal for me, so I wasn’t taking any of this for granted. I don’t know how many Aussie summers I have left. We promised we’d do this one time before he goes or I go. I’m glad we’re still alive.”
Key Highlights of the Match
- Djokovic’s Masterclass:
- A stunning backhand pass and a perfect lob showcased the Serb’s precision and athleticism.
- Kyrgios’ Flair:
- Trademark shots like the tweener and bold volleys kept the crowd enthralled.
- Team Chemistry:
- From laughs to chest-bumps, their synergy was as entertaining as their gameplay.
What’s Next?
Djokovic and Kyrgios will return to the court later this week for another doubles match, with fans eagerly anticipating their next performance.
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