From beef to bros: How Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios overcame a rocky start to team up at Brisbane International

Although they started out on the wrong foot, tennis superstars Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios have put their differences behind them and are currently the talk of the town as the duo partner up in the men's doubles event at the 2025 Brisbane International.

Kyrgios is making his return to competitive tennis after spending 18 months sidelined due to injury. The Aussie star teamed with Djokovic to defeat the team of Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 10-8 to advance to the second round in Brisbane.

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Djokovic and Kyrgios overcome feud as friendship blooms

Things were not always rose between the duo, as a few years ago Djokovic had admitted he had "not much respect for" Kyrgios off the court. Conversely, Kyrgios had branded the former World No.1 as a "tool" and a "strange cat".

The feud began when Kyrgios took shots at the Serbian in 2019, stating he believed Djokovic had a "sick" desire to be liked

"I just feel like he has a sick obsession, wanting to be liked," said Kyrgios. "He just wants to be like Roger [Federer]. He just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him."

"What can I say to Nick Kyrgios?" responded Djokovic at the time. "I really think he's not really a bad guy. I do not know why he declares all these things, whether he wants to draw attention or some motive is different."

Kyrgios would take another shot at Djokovic in 2020, saying the Serbian made a "boneheaded decision" when Djokovic decided to host an exhibition event during the Covid pandemic in 2020. However, the Aussie star was surprisingly the first person to leap to Djokovic's defense when the 24-time Grand Slam champion was deported from Australia on the even of the 2022 Australian Open due to his vaccination status.

"As a human, he’s obviously feeling quite alienated in all of this," said Kyrgios on his podcast. He added that Djokovic had messaged him privately, thanking him for his reaction.

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Their friendship would eventually blossom when the duo met in the 2022 Wimbledon singles final, with Djokovic labeling their relationship as a "bromance" following the Serb's victory.

"I never thought I was going to say so many nice things about you, considering the relationship," said Djokovic in his post-match speech. "OK, it’s officially a bromance."

Kyrgios would subsequently take time off due to several injuries, but with the Australian back on tour, a doubles teamup was inevitable.

"We promised we’d do this one time before either he goes or I go," said Kyrgios.

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