rewrite this title Novak Djokovic shares his feelings on Nick Kyrgios after opening doubles win in Brisbane

Novak Djokovic shared his feelings about teaming up with Nick Kyrgios for doubles at the 2025 Brisbane International. 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 of 2025 and latter’s return after 18 months. The pair received a doubles wild card and faced Andreas Miles and Alexander Erler, triumphing 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-8 in a thrilling encounter lasting one hour and 48 minutes.

Following their win, Djokovic, during the on-court interview that had the crowd buzzing, described it as a “pleasure” to play alongside Kyrgios and admitted he was mostly following the Aussie’s lead throughout 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 comments came in response to Kyrgios’ remarks before their doubles campaign in Brisbane, where the Aussie 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 lock horns with Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus in Brisbane International doubles 2R

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios are set to face 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 campaign on December 31.

Djokovic and Kyrgios will also start their singles campaigns tomorrow, with the Serb facing Rinky Hijikata and the Aussie taking on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. After their stint in Brisbane, both will head to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.

The Serb is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam at the first Major of the year, where he seeks to break Margaret Court’s record. With support from tennis analysts, including Serena Williams’ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs, he’s set to make history.

His arrival in Brisbane has also caused a stir as he carried a Pokemon-inspired Pikachu backpack, leaving fans to speculate about a cryptic message about his Major count.

Edited by Shyam Kamal