Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios to pair up in tune-up to Australian Open 2025

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Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic have confirmed their partnership for doubles at the 2025 Brisbane International, marking an intriguing start to Kyrgios' return to competitive tennis after more than a year on the sidelines.

Nick Kyrgios, who has spent a significant amount of time away from the ATP Tour due to injury, shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo with Novak Djokovic. He wrote: "Doubles at Brisbane. See y'all there," building anticipation for their on-court reunion.

This event will kickstart Kyrgios' 2025 season, with his first competitive match scheduled for the last week of December in Brisbane. Djokovic, who is looking to extend his record of 10 Australian Open titles, will also compete in the singles draw, making it an exciting start to the Australian summer of tennis for both players.

While the duo may seem like an unlikely pairing to some, their relationship has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, Kyrgios and Djokovic's interactions were marked by tension and rivalry. The two players exchanged jabs, with Kyrgios even criticizing Djokovic's obsessive desire to be liked, and making fun of his victory celebrations.

In a 2019 interview, Kyrgios said of Djokovic: "Honestly, that's what I'm doing next time, if I play him and beat him, I'm doing his celebration in front of him. That would be hilarious." Kyrgios also took aim at Djokovic's "obsession with wanting to be liked," contrasting it with his own laid-back approach to fame.

Their rivalry hit a high point in 2022, when the two met in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic defeated Kyrgios in a tense, four-set battle, with the Australian falling short in his first-ever Grand Slam final appearance. Despite the defeat, Kyrgios maintains a positive head-to-head record against Djokovic, leading their singles encounters 2-1, having won their first two meetings in 2017.

The dynamic between the two has changed significantly since those early days. What was once a frosty relationship has blossomed into a genuine friendship, with the pair now referred to as having a "bromance." Their decision to team up in doubles for the Brisbane International is a testament to their improved rapport and a thrilling prospect for fans as they prepare for the Australian Open in January.