Novak Djokovic Cherishes Doubles With Longtime Friend Despite Limited Doubles Experience

Novak Djokovic Cherishes Doubles With Longtime Friend Despite Limited Doubles Experience
Novak Djokovic Cherishes Doubles Reunion With Longtime Friend Despite Limited Doubles Experience

“He’s a bit of a god, I’m not going to lie,” Nick Kyrgios said as Novak Djokovic defeated him to win the 2022 Wimbledon title. Despite the Australian star giving his best, he fell short of winning his maiden Grand Slam title as Djokovic ran riot in the match. However, the comments made by both the players after that match underlined the strong relationship between the two as both Djokovic and Kyrgios credited each other for reaching this stage. Years later, the duo showed what true friendship looks like by reuniting at the Brisbane International to play doubles together. Following their first-round win, Djokovic made a heartfelt revelation on their iconic .

Djokovic and Kyrgios teamed up to defeat Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in the opening-round match in Brisbane. It was Kyrgios’ comeback match after being away from the court due to injuries. However, Djokovic was impressed with the winning start and playing alongside the Australian star.

The Serb maestro said, “Yeah, it’s obviously a different match, the way you feel on the court, the way you play, the way you approach the warmup, and I think the preparation. So I don’t play doubles much. But, you know, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to play with Nick in his comeback. I think a lot of people were kind of excited to see us on the court together. I had a lot of fun. Honestly, it was a great doubles match. I look forward to tomorrow’s one, as well.”

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via Getty

ACAPULCO, MEXICO – MARCH 02: Novak Djokovic of Serbia shakes hands with Nick Kyrgios of Australia after losing the match as part of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel 2017 at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess on March 02, 2017 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Miguel Tovar/LatinContent via Getty Images)

Despite Kyrgios facing much criticism from the tennis world over his antics, Djokovic has always backed him. After their Wimbledon final in 2022, Djokovic even predicted that the Australian star would play another major final.

During an interview after winning the title, Djokovic revealed, “It is tough to find consolation words at a moment like this but you showed why you are one of the best players in the world. I wish you all the best. I respect you a lot and you are a phenomenal talent. I never thought I would say so many nice things about you! OK, it’s official: it is a bromance.”

Kyrgios was also full of praise for Djokovic after their doubles encounter in Brisbane. He made a candid admission following their win.

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Nick Kyrgios terms Novak Djokovic ‘the GOAT’

The duo of Djokovic and Kyrgios put on a thrilling display to defeat the doubles specialists Andreas Mies and Alexander Erler. It was a rare doubles appearance for Djokovic, but despite being in unfamiliar territory, he used his experience to good effect. During an interview after their win, Kyrgios also made a cheeky revelation about his close friend, Djokovic.

The Aussie mentioned, “I was actually surprised that he doubted himself a little bit in some moments. I was like, “Brother, you’re the greatest of all time. Go for it; do what you want to do!”

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Kyrgios further added, “I wasn’t taking any of this for granted. I don’t know how many Aussie summers I’ve got left. I was just looking around and loving the energy, happy to be back out here. We promised we were going to do this one time before either he goes or I go. So, I’m glad we’re still alive.”

Djokovic and Kyrgios will now take on the top seeds, Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus. Expect another cracker of a contest as the two superstars step onto the court in Brisbane tomorrow. Do you think they can win the doubles title in Brisbane?

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