Doubles Debut Delight for Duo

Djokovic 'follows' partner's instructions on Kyrgios' return from 18-month injury layoff

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BRISBANE - Doubles took centre stage at the Brisbane International on Dec 30 thanks to former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and the comeback of mercurial Australian Nick Kyrgios after an 18-month injury layoff.

The duo teamed up for an unlikely doubles appearance and won their first-round clash 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 10-8 over Austria's Alexander Erler and German Andreas Mies.

The two men rarely play doubles but got together for this tournament, although Djokovic hinted earlier on Dec 29 they may pair up for Grand Slams in 2025.

They won the first set against doubles specialists Erler and Mies with one break of Mies' serve, but lost a close second set before clinching the win with a match tiebreak.

"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.