Nick Kyrgios announced on Tuesday that he would play doubles with his ex-enemy turned friend Novak Djokovic at the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane (December 29-January 5).
The fiery Australian, who sometimes had harsh words towards Djokovic, notably calling him a “jester” in 2021, shared a photo on Instagram of their entrance to Center Court at Wimbledon ahead of their final in 2022, with the caption: “Doubles in Brisbane. See you all there”. A sign that the two former rivals have gradually mended their ways.
Kyrgios notably thanked the former world number one, winner of a record 24 Grand Slam tournaments, for motivating him to return to tennis when he was going through a period of doubts due to injuries.
Former world No.13 and finalist at Wimbledon, Kyrgios has only played one more match (in Stuttgart in June 2023) since his defeat in the quarterfinals in Tokyo in October 2022, and makes his return to the circuit on occasion of the Australian tour, in front of his audience.
Starting with the Brisbane tournament serving as preparation for the Australian Open, the first Major of the year which will take place from January 14 to 28, 2024 in Melbourne.
Kyrgios won the Australian Open doubles in 2022, partnering compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. He will enter the singles main draw this year under a protected ranking.
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