Djokovic and Kyrgios Make 'Awesome' Doubles Debut with Victory

Djokovic and Kyrgios Make 'Awesome' Doubles Debut with Victory over the weekend

The most incredible and mind blowing 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 with alot of mix feelings, it  made the notion of a partnership hard to fathom. 

Djokovic had previously admitted to not having much respect for Kyrgios off the court outside their sports life, while the Australian had described the Serbian as a "tool" and a "strange cat" with an obsessive need to be liked in the world of sports.

However, fast forward a few years after several observation about them, the once-squabbling pair are now close friends, making their doubles debut team together at the Brisbane International game recently. 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 also Germany’s Andreas Mies in front of an enthusiastic, sell-out crowd.

The celebratory chest-bump which happened 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 while on the game. "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." he added.

Their relationship and friendship began to thaw and get stronger in 2022 when Kyrgios publicly supported Djokovic during his deportation saga and news in Australia, and it has continued to strengthen over time. However, prior to the match, Kyrgios was uncertain and sure 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 sometime last year.

Despite these concerns, Kyrgios immediately silenced any doubts and fans concerns 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 of the game. 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 and stronger.

As the match progressed, Djokovic and Kyrgios continued to maintain and 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 whom watched the game.

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 upon 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 to play. 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 and friendship.