Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, the unlikely doubles pair, were knocked out of the Brisbane International in a nail-biting second-round match against top-seeded Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus. Despite their strong chemistry and crowd-pleasing plays, the duo fell short, losing 6-2, 3-6, [10-8].
The Serbian-Australian pairing showed promise after winning their first-round match, but their campaign ended with a decisive moment in the tie-break. With Djokovic and Kyrgios just two points away from victory, Djokovic’s costly double fault at 8-6 handed momentum back to Mektic and Venus. The top seeds capitalized on the opening, reeling off four consecutive points to secure the win.
“It’s an amazing feeling to start the year like this,” said Mektic in a post-match interview. The Croatian, alongside New Zealander Venus, dazzled the crowd with exceptional teamwork, particularly during a jaw-dropping 31-shot rally in the second game.
While Djokovic and Kyrgios fought back impressively after losing the first set, they ultimately couldn’t withstand the consistency of Mektic and Venus. “They hit some unbelievable shots,” Venus remarked. “Down three points in the tiebreaker, it wasn’t looking great. Somehow we got back in there.”
This was Djokovic’s and Kyrgios’s first partnership, and their spirited performance hinted at potential for future doubles campaigns. Kyrgios, returning to tour-level play after an 18-month injury hiatus, displayed resilience but admitted he was still managing physical discomfort. Meanwhile, Djokovic, chasing his 100th ATP title, will refocus on his singles campaign, where he’s set to face Gael Monfils in an attempt to extend his perfect 19-0 record against the Frenchman.
FAQs
1. Why did Djokovic and Kyrgios team up in doubles?
The duo partnered for the Brisbane International, combining their star power to delight fans with a wildcard entry.
2. What was the turning point in the match?
Djokovic’s double fault at 8-6 in the match tie-break shifted momentum, allowing Mektic and Venus to mount a comeback.
3. How did Kyrgios perform in his singles match?
Kyrgios lost in a third-set tie-break to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round, struggling with form after his long injury layoff.
4. What’s next for Djokovic?
Djokovic will play Gael Monfils in the second round of singles, looking to extend his dominant record against the Frenchman.
5. Will Djokovic and Kyrgios team up again?
While nothing is confirmed, their chemistry on court hints at potential future collaborations.
Leave a Reply