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Earlier this month, Nick Kyrgios announced his return to Grand Slam competition at the Australian Open. It will be the 29-year-old, oft-injured Aussie's first major since the 2022 US Open, and his first ATP-level match since June 2023. It's big news for the sport and the former Wimbledon finalist.

Some, though, may assert that his reveal today, on his Instagram Story, might be even bigger: that he'll team with the player who defeated him for a Wimbledon title, Novak Djokovic, in doubles. And not just exhibition doubles, but at the Brisbane International.

"Doubles at Brisbane," Kyrgios wrote. "See y'all there."

The seeds of a changed relationship were revealed publicly when Djokovic defeated Kyrgios in four sets in the 2022 Wimbledon final. In his winner's speech, Djokovic said Kyrgios was a deserving finalist, and "one of the best players in the world."

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Such a pairing would have been inconceivable just a few years ago, given some of Kyrgios' vocal criticisms toward Djokovic—oil, meet water. As Luke Baker of the Independent reminds,

The pair have never played doubles together before and, in fact, historically have a very frosty relationship with Kyrgios previously calling Djokovic “a tool” and the 24-time grand slam champion responding by saying he “doesn’t have much respect” for his rival. Luke Baker

But the two have more than buried the hatchet since, regularly commenting on each others' social media and even getting together for one of Kyrgios' Good Trouble podcasts. During his visit to Tennis Channel's office in 2023, Kyrgios called Djokovic "the undisputed G.O.A.T." (Watch video above.) Their collision in the 2022 Wimbledon final may have been billed like a prize fight, but it was more friendly fire.

"I never thought I'm going to say so many nice things about you," Djokovic said during his winner's speech on Centre Court. "OK, it's officially a bromance."

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A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os)

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Now, the tour buddies are taking their relationship to the next level. Djokovic finished 2024 without winning a tour-level title—he did, of course, win Olympic gold—and with a 37-9 record. Kyrgios will get some matches in beforehand at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, just before Christmas, and it's still not clear how much he'll play this season.

Regardless, Nick and Nole will be must-see. And don't forget that Andy Murray will be in their corner as a coach.

Get your popcorn ready. See y'all there.

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