BRISBANE, Australia (Reuters, AP) — **Novak Djokovic** and **Nick Kyrgios** captivated fans during their exciting doubles debut at the Brisbane International on Monday, securing a thrilling **6-4, 6-7(4), (10-8)** victory over **Alexander Erler** and **Andreas Mies**. The match showcased their remarkable camaraderie and chemistry, enveloped by an enthusiastic crowd at **Pat Rafter Arena**.

Returning to the tour after prolonged injury layoffs, Kyrgios, who has been out for 18 months due to knee and wrist injuries, expressed immense gratitude for his opportunity to play. He remarked, **“This injury has been brutal for me so I wasn’t taking any of this for granted,”** highlighting the significance of this comeback match, while Djokovic commended the atmosphere, stating, **"We tried to get the crowd on our side,"** in an attempt to harness that energy for their performance [Reuters](http://reuters.com/sports/tennis/djokovic-kyrgios-delight-doubles-debut-brisbane-2024-12-30).

The match delighted spectators with **flashy shots** from both players. A memorable moment came when Djokovic executed a stunning backhand winner around the net, prompting Kyrgios to celebrate enthusiastically, reinforcing the playful dynamic they have built over the years. Kyrgios chided Djokovic, urging him to unleash his talent, asserting, **“I was surprised that he doubted himself a little bit; you're the greatest of all time, go for it.”** Their on-court synergy generated spontaneous cheers from the crowd, especially when Kyrgios pulled off a remarkable **“tweener”** shot, showcasing his flair [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/djokovic-kyrgios-doubles-b37fe31d6280ab7013c6b09d2ad28268).

After a tense match tiebreak, the duo secured their spot in the next round, with Kyrgios smashing an ace to clinch victory. Their exuberant celebration, which included a jubilant chest bump, reflected their excitement and shared joy in competing together. Kyrgios poignantly remarked, **"We promised we’d do this one time before either he goes or I go, so I’m glad we’re still alive.”**

Djokovic, a ten-time **Australian Open** singles champion and holder of a record 24 major titles, acknowledged the rarity of playing doubles, stating, **“I haven’t played many doubles matches... it is a pleasure to play with him on his comeback,”** reinforcing the impressive achievements both athletes continue to pursue at this stage of their careers. The pair are now set to face the top-seeded team of **Nikola Mektic** and **Michael Venus** in their next match [AP News](https://apnews.com/hub/tennis).

In related singles action at the Brisbane International, Australian **Jordan Thompson** overcame Italy’s **Matteo Berrettini**, while **Grigor Dimitrov**, the defending champion, won against **Yannick Hanfmann**. Concurrently, **Naomi Osaka** marked her return with a solid win in Auckland, emphasizing that she won’t remain competitive if her ranking does not improve significantly.