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 wildcard for the doubles and faced Andreas Miles and Alexander Erler, who triumphed 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-8 in a thrilling encounter that lasted one hour and 48 minutes.
After their victory, Djokovic described it as a “pleasure” playing alongside Kyrgios during the on-court interview, which left the crowd excited, and admitted he largely followed the Australian’s lead throughout the match.
“I want to thank Nick for playing. He recently said it would be a pleasure to play with him. And it is. It is a pleasure,” said the Serb.
“I’m happy to share the court with him during his comeback. I haven’t played much doubles in the last five years. Whatever Nick said, I basically followed it,” he added.
Djokovic’s comments were in response to Kyrgios’ comments before their doubles campaign in Brisbane, where the Australian had told the media:
“I mean, everyone’s a pleasure to play with him, it’s actually a pleasure to play with me, let’s be real.”
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios battle 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 Brisbane International 2025. Mektic and Venus were given byes and will start their campaign on December 31.
Djokovic and Kyrgios also begin their singles campaigns tomorrow, with the Serbian taking on Rinky Hijikata and the Australian taking on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. After their stay in Brisbane, both will go to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
The Serbian is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam at the first Major of the year, where he wants to break Margaret Court’s record. With support from tennis analysts, including Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs, he is ready to make history.
His arrival in Brisbane has also caused a stir as he wore a Pokemon-inspired Pikachu backpack, leading fans to speculate about a cryptic message about his Major count.
Edited by Shyam Kamal