Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic left the Brisbane International fans wanting more as they clinched a first round at Pat Rafter Arena.
Kyrgios was surprised Djokovic doubted himself during the match, which they won 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-8 against Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies.
Djokovic wants to play more tournaments in 2025 compared to 2024, having been disrupted by a knee injury last season.
But there were very few signs of any discomfort on court with Kyrgios, with the pair having really enjoyed their doubles debut.
A jumping chest bump was carried out between the winning duo, much to the delight of the Brisbane International crowd.
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Djokovic certainly put on a show, but home favourite Kyrgios left many fans particularly impressed despite the fact it was his first ATP Tour match back from a lengthy injury lay-off.
“Kyrgios looks like he never left,” one fan wrote on X. “Service action has slightly changed, but super good hands at the net.”
A second said: “What a serving masterclass from Djokovic and Kyrgios to take the super tie break and win the match!”
Other impressed fans wrote: “Very entertaining doubles pairing and match haha. Good signs from Kyrgios too,” and “Great to see them both healthy and having soo much fun out there.”
The praise for the Australian continued, with another fan noting: “Dislike him all you like, but damn, Kyrgios is such an entertaining, engaging, can’t take your eyes off him tennis player.”
Other fans commented: “Impressed with Kyrgios’s level,” “Kyrgios GOATing especially on return today,” and “Love or hate him, Nick Kyrgios is must-watch TV.”
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Kyrgios played at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi earlier this month, where he was joined by fellow star names Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
The Australian played alongside Casper Ruud and Jasmine Paolini in mixed doubles, as well as taking part in men’s singles.
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But the exhibition event won’t have meant as much as partnering his close friend Djokovic at the ATP 250 event in Brisbane.
Much has been made of his comeback following wrist and knee injuries, with the former issue having needed surgery.
But he returned in typical Kyrgios fashion, with the former world number 13 doing his utmost to create a raucous atmosphere inside Pat Rafter Arena.
Both Kyrgios and Djokovic played very strongly to secure the victory, with the ATP stars now needing to turn to their singles matches tomorrow at the same venue.
The wildcard paring have, however, been handed a very tricky draw, with top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus up next in round two.
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