Shock loss for Djokovic and Kyrgios in Brisbane doubles!

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios were knocked out of the Brisbane International men’s doubles in a dramatic second-round defeat. The top-seeded pairing of Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus triumphed in a tight match.

Kyrgios, 29, returned to singles competition after 18 months sidelined by injury. He suffered a painful three-set loss to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Sunday. The defeat left him in “throbbing” pain, raising doubts about his participation in the Australian Open later this month.

Despite his discomfort, Kyrgios honored his commitment to partner with Djokovic in the doubles. He looked relatively at ease throughout the match, though he occasionally winced, clutching his right arm between serves. Djokovic and Kyrgios dropped the first set 6-2 but fought back in the second, winning 6-3 to level the match. They then faced a decisive tie-break, first to 10 points.

With the score at 8-6 in their favor, Djokovic’s double fault proved costly. The error shifted the momentum to Mektic and Venus, who won the next three points to clinch the match 6-2, 3-6, 10-8.

Mektic shared his excitement after the win. “Incredible,” he said. “I was very happy when I saw them. Playing against them on the first of January is amazing. It’s an incredible feeling to start the year this way, knowing there would be crucial moments against players like them.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic’s singles campaign continues. He is through to the quarter-finals, where he will face France’s Gael Monfils in a bid for his 100th career ATP title.