Djokovic and Kyrgios delight on doubles debut in Brisbane

BRISBANE :Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios enthralled fans on their debut as a doubles team on Monday, riding a massive wave of support to secure a 6-4 6-7(4) (10-8) win over Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies at the Brisbane International.

The former foes have developed a close friendship during the last couple of years and their camaraderie was on full display at a packed Pat Rafter Arena as the crowd chanted their names and created an electric atmosphere.

"I want to thank Nick for playing," Djokovic said.

"He said the other day that it should be a pleasure to play with him, and it is. I'm glad to share the court with him on his comeback. I haven't played too many doubles matches ... in the last five years so whatever Nick was saying, I was following."

Australian Kyrgios, returning to tour-level action after more than 18 months out due to knee, foot and wrist injuries, showed no signs of rust as he almost single-handedly won the opening game with his booming serve.

"What a game I played, huh?" Djokovic joked with courtside fans after the Serb hit a volley that clinched it.

Both players revved up the crowd en route to claiming the first set with a break as Djokovic hit a backhand winner around the net and then produced a neat lob that left Kyrgios amazed.

"I was actually surprised that he doubted himself a little bit in some moments," Kyrgios said. "I was like 'brother, you're the greatest of all time, go for it and do what you got to do'."

It was a far cry from when Kyrgios had labelled Djokovic a "tool" and "boneheaded" during the COVID pandemic, before their friendship blossomed.

Kyrgios said he did not want to take anything for granted in his comeback.

"I was just looking around at all the fans, this beautiful stadium. My