Novak Djokovic says teaming up with Nick Kyrgios in the Brisbane International is going to be a fun experience as he prepares for the Australian Open.
The duo locked horns in the past when Kyrgios labelled Djokovic “boneheaded” and a “tool” but they have since developed a close friendship after the latest of their three meetings, in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
“It’s going to be fun,” said Djokovic, who is using the tournament to gear up for a tilt at a record-extending 11th Australian Open trophy.
“We texted about it and we spoke earlier in Wimbledon (this year) about playing together when he’s back on tour. We’ve got the first chance right away in the first week of the season.”
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Nick Kyrgios has spoken out after both Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner have faced doping charges
Djokovic will face a home challenge in his opening match when the 37-year-old faces Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the first round on Monday.
Top-seeded Djokovic, now ranked No 7 in the world, has not competed since reaching the Shanghai Masters final in October.
The Paris Olympic gold medallist and 24-time Grand Slam champion is playing in Brisbane for the first time since 2009.
Kyrgios, who has played only one singles tour match in the last two years due to knee, foot and wrist injuries, will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, said: “It’s good to be back. I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things.
“I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.”
The Brisbane event main draw will run from Sunday to January 5 – live on Sky Sports Tennis – before the Australian Open begins on January 12.
Raducanu set for action in Auckland
Emma Raducanu will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery
The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday.
Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday.
That could pit Katie Boulter against fiancee Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week.
“Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing.
“My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.”
Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British No 1 facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem.
Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against world No 117 Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
