Novak Djokovic shared his feelings about teaming up with Nick Kyrgios for doubles at the Brisbane International 2025. Both players will also compete in singles at the ATP 250 tournament.
Djokovic and Kyrgios took to the court on Monday, December 30, marking the former’s first match in 2025 and the latter’s return after 18 months. The pair received a wild card in doubles and faced Andreas Miles and Alexander Erler, triumphing 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-8 in a thrilling encounter that lasted one hour and 48 minutes.
After his victory, Djokovic, during the on-court interview that had the crowd buzzing, described it as a “pleasure” to play alongside Kyrgios and admitted that he was mostly following the Australian’s lead throughout the match.
“I want to thank Nick for playing. The other day he said it should be a pleasure to play with him. Forks. “It’s a pleasure,” said the Serbian.
“I’m glad to share the court with him on his return. I haven’t played many doubles matches in the last 5 years. “Whatever Nick was saying, I was actually following him,” he added.
Djokovic’s comments came in response to Kyrgios’ comments ahead of their doubles campaign in Brisbane, where the Australian had told the media:
“I mean, everyone thinks he’s a pleasure to play with, he’s actually a pleasure to play with me, let’s be real.”
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios to face Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in Brisbane International doubles 2R
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will face Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the second round of doubles at the Brisbane International 2025. Mektic and Venus received a bye and will begin their campaign on December 31.
Djokovic and Kyrgios will also begin their individual campaigns tomorrow, with the Serb facing Rinky Hijikata and the Australian facing Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. After passing through Brisbane, both will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.
The Serbian aims to break the record of 25 Grand Slams in the first Major of the year, where he will try to beat Margaret Court’s record. With the support of tennis analysts, including Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, he is ready to make history.
His arrival in Brisbane also caused a stir as he was carrying a Pokémon-inspired Pikachu backpack, leaving fans speculating about a cryptic message about his Major count.
Edited by Shyam Kamal.