After playing only one match in 2023 and 2024, Nick Kyrgios is back in action. The former Major finalist returned to action in Brisbane. The Aussie suffered a tight singles loss to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and joined forces with Novak Djokovic.
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Two great friendsfinally got a chance to compete alongside each other, enjoying on the court and scoring one victory. After many tantrums from Kyrgios' side, the Aussie and the Serb became friends, respecting each other a lot.
They wanted to form the doubles team earlier, but Nick's setbacks with injuries spoiled that plan before the opening week of 2025. They were also the opponent's in Kyrgios' only Major final at Wimbledon 2022.
Speaking about the match, the Aussie admitted he could not have played much better. Nick highlighted Novak's experience in notable matches in comparison to himself, highlighting it made a massive difference.
The Aussie claimed the opening set before experiencing a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 defeat following a great resistance. Kyrgios served at above 70% and still got broken two times (he thinks he lost serve three times). He also recalled the crucial game of the third set.
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The lower-ranked player claimed the opening three points at 4-4. However, Djokovic found a way to bounce back and deliver a pivotal break that gave him a massive boost. Nick called that feat ridiculous, especially against his serve on grass!
Novak saved five of six break points, making a slow start before controlling the pace in his games. He earned two breaks in sets two and three, stealing Nick's serve for the first time in their duels. Kyrgios forged the lead with a break in the fifth game of the first set.
He provided a hold in the tenth game for 6-4 and momentum. The Serb broke the Aussie in the fourth game of the second set and served for it at 5-3. Djokovic overcame the ultimate challenge.
He defendedfour break points and landeda service winner on a set point to level the overall score after 70 minutes. They served well in the opening eight games of the third set and Kyrgios should have moved 5-4 up!
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Still, the Aussie wasted a 40-0 lead and suffered a break that sent him behind. Djokovic wrapped up the set with a service winner, moving two sets to one up and closer to the top. They served well in the fourth set and introduced a tie break.
Kyrgios felt the pressure and cracked under it. Novak grabbed three mini-breaks for a 6-1 lead and five match points. The Serb converted the third after the rival's backhand error, celebrating his seventh Wimbledon crown.
"I could not serve better in the final; I landed in like 75% of the first serve, and Novak still broke me three times. I was right there, but Novak is a different type of player. It was his 30+ Major final and only my first; his experience made a huge difference. I could not have done much more in that match. I played a poor tie break, but everything else was solid. Novak broke me at 4-4 in the third set from 40-0 down! With my serve on grass, it's ridiculous. Something went wrong in my head, and it was a challenging moment. If I could have played like Rafa, I could have beaten him that day," Nick Kyrgios said.
