Novak Djokovic says working with Nick Kyrgios in the Brisbane International will be a fun experience as he prepares for the Australian Open.
The pair locked horns in the past when Kyrgios labeled Djokovic a “bonehead” and a “machine” but have since developed a close relationship after their last three meetings, in the 2022 final Wimbledon.
“It's going to be fun,” said Djokovic, who is using the tournament to prepare for an ever-expanding 11th Australian Open tilt.
“We texted about it and we spoke earlier at Wimbledon (this year) about playing together when he's back on tour. Our first chance is in the first week of the season.”
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Nick Kyrgios has spoken out after Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner faced doping charges
Djokovic will face a home challenge in his opening match when the 37-year-old takes on Australia's Rinky Hijikata in the first round on Monday.
Top seed Djokovic, now ranked 7 in the world, has not competed since reaching the final of the Shanghai Masters in October.
The Paris Olympic gold medalist and 24-time Grand Slam champion is playing in Brisbane for the first time since 2009.
Kyrgios, who has played just one tour singles match in the past two years due to knee, foot and wrist injuries, will face France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the singles, he said: “It's good to be back. Honestly I never thought that I would be back playing at this level Even going into an event like this, preparing, doing the right things.
“I'm really excited to go out there and play, just play tennis. I've seen Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I can get to- get out there and compete again.”
The main draw of the Brisbane event runs from Sunday to January 5 – live on Sky Sports Tennis – before the start of the Australian Open on January 12.
Raducanu ready for action in Auckland
Emma Raducanu will start her season with a match against Robin Montgomery
The new tennis season is already underway, with the United Cup team event starting on Friday.
Great Britainwho are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against him Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing the hosts Australia on Wednesday.
That could pit Katie Boulter against boyfriend Alex De Minaur, with the pair announcing their engagement last week.
“Obviously it's amazing news from our side, but I think we wanted him to die a little bit before the games started,” Boulter said of the time.
“My private life is out in the public quite a bit at the moment. But, as far as the stuff I do on the court, I do the best I can every day to stay in my element. bubble.”
Billy Harris has replaced Draper, with the British No.1 facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open due to a hip problem.
Emma Raducanu 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 taking on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated Sky TVstreaming service NOW and the The Sky Sports appgiving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out here.
