Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, who were once rivals on court, surprised fans by teaming up for a doubles match at the Brisbane International. They defeated Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in a thrilling first-round clash.
Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov eased into round two of the Brisbane International with a hard-fought win over qualifier Yannick Hanfmann on Monday, but Holger Rune crashed to defeat. Bulgaria’s second seed Dimitrov has a great track record in the city, winning the title twice, as well as making the final in 2013. His 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 victory over Germany’s Hanfmann was his 24th in Brisbane, more than any other player.
Yet he has flown under the radar this year due to the presence of former world number one Novak Djokovic and the comeback of mercurial Australian Nick Kyrgios after an 18-month injury lay-off. Djokovic and Kyrgios teamed up for an unlikely doubles appearance – having once been enemies but now firm buddies – and won their first round clash 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 10/8 over Austria’s Alexander Erler and German Andreas Mies. The two men rarely play doubles and got together for this tournament, although Djokovic hinted earlier Sunday they may pair up for next year’s Grand Slams. They won the first set against the doubles specialists Erler and Mies with one break of Mies’ serve, but lost a close second set before clinching the win with a match tiebreak.Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic celebrate a point. “Nick said the other day that it should be a pleasure to play with him and it is,” a smiling Djokovic said. “I haven’t played that many doubles matches in my life so whatever Nick was saying, I was following.” Djokovic played an astonishing around-the-post winner, one of the rarest shots in tennis, during the match. “This injury’s been brutal for me so I was just glad to get back on court,” he said, while also cracking up Djokovic with another interview offering.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC NICK KYRGIOS BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL DOUBLES TENNIS ATP TOUR
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