Novak Djokovic expressed his thoughts on teaming up with Nick Kyrgios for doubles at the 2025 Brisbane International. Both players will also participate in singles at the ATP 250 tournament.
Djokovic and Kyrgios made their debut on Monday, December 30, marking Djokovic’s first match of 2025 and Kyrgios’ comeback after 18 months. They received a doubles wild card and competed against Andreas Miles and Alexander Erler, emerging victorious with a score of 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-8 in an intense match lasting one hour and 48 minutes.
After their win, Djokovic, in an on-court interview that energized the crowd, described playing alongside Kyrgios as a “pleasure” and confessed he mostly followed the Aussie’s lead during the match.
“I want to thank Nick for playing. He said the other day it should be a pleasure to play with him. And it is. It is a pleasure,” the Serb said.
“I’m glad to share the court with him on his comeback. I haven’t played many doubles matches in the last 5 years. Whatever Nick was saying I was following actually,” he added.
Djokovic’s remarks were in response to Kyrgios’ statements before their doubles campaign in Brisbane, where Kyrgios had told the media:
“I mean, everyone thinks it’s a pleasure playing with him, it’s actually a pleasure playing 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 are scheduled to compete against Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in the second round of doubles at the 2025 Brisbane International. Mektic and Venus received a bye and will begin their matches on December 31.
Djokovic and Kyrgios will also kick off their singles campaigns tomorrow, with Djokovic facing Rinky Hijikata and Kyrgios taking on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. After their time in Brisbane, both will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open starting on January 12.
The Serb is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam at the first Major of the year, looking to surpass Margaret Court’s record. With support from tennis analysts, including Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs, he is poised to create history.
His arrival in Brisbane has caused quite a commotion as he carried a Pokemon-inspired Pikachu backpack, sparking speculation among fans about a cryptic message regarding his Grand Slam count.
Edited by Shyam Kamal
