India, Dec. 30 -- Transitioning from competitors on the court to a formidable doubles team, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios delivered an impressive performance in their 6-4, 6-7 (4), 10-8 triumph over the Austrian-German duo of Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies. This match marked their doubles debut at the Brisbane International, concluding after one hour and 48 minutes at the Pat Rafter Arena.

The encounter marked Kyrgios's return following an extended period away due to injury, and he demonstrated that he was back in top form. Djokovic appeared to relish the experience, allowing Kyrgios to take the lead in many exchanges. Notably, Kyrgios executed a remarkable tweener shot, returning a backhand from between his legs, which earned him the point.

Djokovic acknowledged Kyrgios's skill with a congratulatory gesture, clearly enjoying the spectacle. Kyrgios later sealed the match with an ace, followed by an enthusiastic chest bump with Djokovic, which delighted the audience.

Their next challenge will be against the top-seeded Croatian-Kiwi team of Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus, as they also prepare for their singles matches in Brisbane ahead of the Australian Open. Following the match, Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "That was awesome. I want to thank Nick for playing. He said it should be a pleasure to play with him, it was a pleasure."

Kyrgios has been sidelined for nearly a year, having withdrawn from the United Cup, which was intended to kick off his 2023 season, due to an ankle injury. He also opted out of the Adelaide International as a precaution and withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open on the eve of the tournament due to a knee injury.

He also disclosed that the decision stemmed from a cyst resulting from a tear in his lateral meniscus, necessitating arthroscopic surgery, which was performed shortly thereafter. Although he was anticipated to return for the French Open, he had to withdraw due to a foot injury sustained during an armed robbery at his residence. Subsequently, he suffered a ligament tear in his wrist while training for Wimbledon 2023, leading to his absence for the remainder of the 2023 season. He made his comeback in November 2024 at the World Tennis League.

In the meantime, Djokovic will be joined by former player Andy Murray as part of his coaching team for the Australian Open. Following his victory, Kyrgios remarked, "This injury has been brutal for me, so I wasn't taking any of this for granted. I don't know how many Aussie summers I've got left, so I was just looking around, loving the energy, and just so happy to be back out here. We promised that we were going to do this one more time before either he (Djokovic) goes or I go, so I'm glad we're still alive!"

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