Brisbane, Dec 30: Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios teamed up to defeat Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-8 in the men's double of Brisbane International, an ATP 250 event at Pat Rafter Arena on Monday. The match which lasted for an hour and 48 minutes was a showcase of creativity and skill, with Djokovic and Kyrgios delighting fans through their contrasting styles. A standout moment occurred in the 10th game of the first set when Djokovic executed an around-the-net backhand winner off a sharp-angled volley from Mies. The Serbian maestroтАЩs precision drew a raucous cheer from the Brisbane crowd, leaving Kyrgios in awe.┬аTwo-Time Grand Slam Winner Simona Halep Withdraws From Australian Open 2025 Qualifying Because of Knee and Shoulder Pain.

тАЬThat was a great setup by Mies, and I just went for it,тАЭ Djokovic recounted. тАЬIt was 5-4 to us, but they were 30/0 up, and winning that point really lifted our energy. The crowd got behind us, and we used that momentum to win the game and the set.тАЭ Kyrgios was quick to laud his partnerтАЩs brilliance: тАЬThatтАЩs just an iconic Novak moment. The way he moves, IтАЩve never moved like that in my life! My tweener might be flashier, but that shot is what the fans will remember. Honestly, I was just loving it.тАЭ

Kyrgios also produced his own jaw-dropping moments, including a perfectly executed lob winner and a daring forehand pass that sealed the first set. The second set saw the pairтАЩs flair continue as Kyrgios attempted a tweener, much to the delight of the crowd.

For Djokovic, the match marked his return to Brisbane after a five-year absence, and he was full of praise for the Australian tennis culture. тАЬItтАЩs amazing to be back in Brisbane. The energy here is unmatched. A packed house, incredible atmosphereтАФitтАЩs why we play this game,тАЭ Djokovic said post-match.┬а23-Year-Old Indian Tennis Star Rithvik Bollipalli Confirms Direct Entry to Australian Open 2025 Main Draw, Set to Make Grand Slam Debut With Ryan Seggerman.

Kyrgios, making his competitive comeback after an 18-month injury layoff, echoed the sentiment. тАЬThis injury has been brutal, so I donтАЩt take any of this for granted. I donтАЩt know how many Aussie summers I have left, so IтАЩm soaking in every moment.тАЭ The 29-year-old Australian reflected on his partnership with Djokovic, whom he faced in the 2022 Wimbledon final. тАЬWe promised weтАЩd do this at least once before either of us retires, and IтАЩm glad weтАЩre still here.

Novak doubted himself at times, and I had to remind him, тАШBrother, youтАЩre the greatest of all timeтАЩ! Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is returning to singles competition after a runner-up finish at the Shanghai Masters in October 2024. Meanwhile, Kyrgios aims to re-establish himself on the ATP Tour after his extended injury break.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 06:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).