Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios gained their first doubles match on the Brisbane Worldwide

Their relationship soured when Kyrgios backed Djokovic over a court docket ruling to kick him out of Australia in 2022, and has continued to heat since then.

However, earlier than the match, Kyrgios had no concept how issues would prove.

The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up returned to court docket for the primary time in 18 months following a feared career-ending wrist harm.

How the 29-year-old’s physique would react was the primary unknown.

How the brand new relationship between “two totally different personalities” could be is secondary.

“We might be utterly blown away,” mentioned Kyrgios, who misplaced to Djokovic in the one main closing of his tumultuous profession at Wimbledon in 2022.

Any issues about Kyrgios’ health have been put to relaxation by his favor in a gap service recreation that confirmed he hadn’t misplaced all of his trademark energy.

“That is the very best recreation I’ve performed, huh,” laughed Djokovic.

The way in which the 2 laughed and joked confirmed the benefit they felt once they have been collectively.

The joy grew because the set wore on, with Djokovic serving up two moments worthy of any spotlight reels to assist open the door in his group’s favor.

The 37-year-old Serb hooked a protracted backhand into the hole between the submit and the referee’s chair at 15-15 within the tenth recreation, then delivered two set factors with a lob balanced to perfection.

Kyrgios transformed the primary with an excellent forehand down the road, sparking cheers from the group.

The match continued to be a draw within the second set – though there was nonetheless an opportunity for the traditional Kyrgios.

In his 3-3 efficiency, he produced a trademark and backed it up with a pointy volley.

A smile on his approach down the runway confirmed his satisfaction as he waved to the followers, whereas a delighted Djokovic ran to affix him in celebration.

Erler and Mies locked in a tie to degree the match however the very good abilities of Kyrgios and Djokovic ensured the pair would return for an additional match later this week.

“This harm has been brutal for me so I wasn’t taking it calmly,” mentioned Kyrgios.

“I do not know what number of Aussie summers I’ve left.

“We promised to do that as soon as earlier than he left or I left. So I am glad we’re nonetheless alive.”