Djokovic and Kyrgios win ‘awesome’ doubles debut

Tuesday, 31 December 2024 00:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Novak Djokovic (left) and Nick Kyrgios

At the peak of a long-running feud between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, the prospect of them ever becoming pals seemed ludicrous.

After all, how could Djokovic warm to someone who he had “not much respect for” off the court?

What could stop Kyrgios thinking the Serb was a “tool” and a “strange cat” with a “sick” obsession for needing to be liked?

Yet here we are, a few years down the line, and the once-squabbling pair are now the best of buddies and making their debut as a doubles team. Australian firebrand Kyrgios, often polarising but almost always entertaining, promised fun at the Brisbane International. The pair delivered in front of an enthusiastic sell-out crowd, putting on a show as they secured a 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8 win over Austria’s Alexander Erler and Germany’s Andreas Mies. A celebratory chest-bump when they completed victory – on their third match point – was symbolic of a bromance which nobody saw coming.

“That was awesome,” said 24-time major champion Djokovic.

“I want to thank Nick for playing. He said it should be a pleasure to play with him, it was a pleasure.” “I’m glad to share the court with him on his comeback.”