deport him from Australia in 2022,<\/a> and has continued to warm ever since.<\/p>\nBut, before the match, Kyrgios had little idea how things would pan out.<\/p>\n
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up was back on a competitive court for the first time in 18 months following a wrist ligament injury which he feared would end his career.<\/p>\n
How the 29-year-old’s body would react was the first unknown. <\/p>\n
How a new partnership between “two different personalities” would gel was the second.<\/p>\n
“We might get absolutely snipped,” said Kyrgios, who lost to Djokovic in the only major final of his turbulent career at Wimbledon in 2022.<\/p>\n
Any lingering concerns about Kyrgios’ physical state were put to bed with a hold to love in an opening service game which demonstrated he had lost none of his trademark power. <\/p>\n
“What a game I played, huh,” chuckled Djokovic.<\/p>\n
The way in which the pair were laughing and joking illustrated the ease they now feel in each other’s company.<\/p>\n
The entertainment increased as the set went on, with Djokovic providing two moments worthy of any highlights reel to help tip the opener in his team’s favour.<\/p>\n
The 37-year-old Serb threaded a stretching backhand through the gap between the net post and the umpire’s chair for 15-15 in the 10th game, then brought up a pair of set points with a lob measured to perfection.<\/p>\n
Kyrgios converted the first with a superb forehand winner which clipped the edge of the line, sparking joyous celebrations among the crowd.<\/p>\n
The match continued to be a tight tussle in the second set – although there was still opportunity for some vintage Kyrgios.<\/p>\n
On his serve at 3-3, he produced a trademark tweener and backed it up by putting away a sharp volley. <\/p>\n
The smile as he scampered down the line indicated his satisfaction as he lapped up the acclaim from the fans, while a delighted Djokovic raced over to join him in the celebrations.<\/p>\n
Erler and Mies locked in to level the match but the superior skillsets of Kyrgios and Djokovic ensured the duo would return for another performance later this week.<\/p>\n
“This injury has been brutal for me so I wasn’t taking any of this for granted,” said Kyrgios.<\/p>\n
“I don’t know how many Aussie summers I have left.<\/p>\n
“We promised we would do this one time before he goes or I go. So I’m glad we’re still alive.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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