Nick Kyrgios excited to join Novak Djokovic for doubles at Brisbane International

·

Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic are set to debut their doubles partnership at the Brisbane International today, December 30, kicking off the Australian summer of tennis in style.

The pair, who have formed an unlikely friendship over the past 18 months, will take to Pat Rafter Arena for their first-ever doubles match, facing Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in the round of 32.

Kyrgios, returning to tennis after a career-threatening wrist injury, humorously acknowledged the pairing, saying, “Everybody thinks it’s a pleasure to play with him [Djokovic]. It’s actually a pleasure to play with me, let’s be real.”

Despite their differing personalities, Kyrgios and Djokovic are the headline names of the ATP 250 singles draw, and their doubles debut is expected to draw a large crowd.

“I don’t know how it’s going to be – we might get absolutely snipped,” Kyrgios joked, adding that they might not win, given their lack of doubles experience.

Djokovic echoed a laid-back attitude, saying, “Now we have the first chance right away in the first week of the season, should be fun.”

@eurosport Novak Djokovic 🤝 Nick Kyrgios A HUGE link-up is coming to Brisbane! 🎾🇦🇺 #tennis #BrisbaneInternational ♬ original sound – Eurosport

While Kyrgios is focused on his singles return against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Djokovic is aiming to build on his Olympic gold medal from Paris this year.

Both players are eager to return to top form after challenging seasons, with Djokovic admitting, “It’s been an interesting year… I’ve had more losses and ups and downs than in previous seasons,” but he remains hungry to make more history.

Off the court, Kyrgios has been outspoken about issues in tennis, particularly the handling of doping cases involving top-ranked players like Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Kyrgios criticised the inconsistency of the sport’s doping protocols, calling the situation “disgusting.”

Djokovic, while acknowledging the discomfort of Kyrgios’ comments, agreed with some of his points, especially regarding the lack of transparency in doping cases, stating, “We were kept in the dark for five months” regarding Sinner’s case.

As both players gear up for the new season, their partnership at the Brisbane International promises to be a highlight of the tournament, with fans excited to see how their contrasting personalities mesh on the court.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

Alexandropoulis marks liberation day with largest Greek flag

The Greek city of Alexandroupolis celebrated its liberation day on Tuesday, May 14 by raising what is believed to be Greece’s largest flag.

National committee established to plan centenary events for Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

A national committee has been established to plan centenary events for Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia next year.

Spetses: The Greek island where the ‘Knives Out’ sequel on Netflix was filmed

New Netflix mystery sequel starring James Bond star Daniel Craig, Glass Onion, was shot on Greek island of Spetses.