TENNIS
The pair overcame Austrian Alexander Erler and German Andreas Mies in the super tie-break
Published on December 30, 2024 at 12:48 pm
Novak Djokovic debuted at the Brisbane tournament alongside friend Nick Kyrgios Credit: Disclosure/Brisbane International
Back in official games after two months, Novak Djokovic showed this Monday that he still knows how to put on a show on the court. At 37 years old, the former world number 1 debuted at the Brisbane tournament alongside his friend Nick Kyrgios, who hadn’t played for a year and a half, with a hard-fought victory over Austrian Alexander Erler and German Andreas Mies, in the super tie- break, partials of 6/4, 6/7 (4/7) and 10/8.
It was a beautiful performance by the experienced tennis players, who had fun on the court and celebrated a lot at each point. And with fun celebrations, with one pointing at the other, with ‘bellies’ in the air, funny faces and lots of hugs.
Djokovic has not played since October following muscle problems, while the Australian underwent wrist surgery and was out of action for 18 months. Being at home, he received an invitation and was very happy to form a partnership “with the greatest of all”.
On the court, the partnership showed harmony in several plays, with beautiful passes and explosive plays. Kyrgios even hit one of his rivals, who fell “in pain”. He got up after apologizing and made a great pass, also getting into the spirit of the game show.
The pair won’t even have time to rest, as in addition to playing in singles, they will already have a tough commitment in the second round of the tournament at ATP 250 level against the main favorites, Croatian Nikola Mektic and Australian Michael Venus, in a game scheduled for this Tuesday- fair.
