Brisbane, Australia – January 1, 2025 – Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios’s promising start to the new year took a dramatic turn in Brisbane, as a late double fault by Djokovic ignited a thrilling comeback victory for top seeds Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus.
The Croatian/New Zealander pair escaped with a 6-2, 3-6, [10-8] second-round win after trailing 8-6 in the match tie-break.
Mektic and Venus dominated the opening set, showcasing impressive teamwork highlighted by a spectacular rally early on that electrified the crowd. However, Djokovic and Kyrgios found their rhythm in the second set, with Kyrgios’s powerful forehand return proving a key weapon. They carried this momentum into the tie-break, building leads of 6-3, 7-4, and 8-6.
With the match seemingly in their grasp, Djokovic’s double fault at 8-6 proved pivotal. Venus held serve, followed by a crucial volley by Mektic to level the score. Kyrgios then netted a return to give Mektic/Venus match point, which they converted with a powerful forehand winner off Kyrgios’s serve, completing the stunning turnaround.
“They hit some unbelievable shots. Down three points in the tiebreaker with how they were serving, it wasn’t looking great. Somehow we got back in there,” said a relieved Venus after the match. Mektic echoed the sentiment, expressing his excitement at facing the high-profile pairing: “I was very happy when I saw that we can play them (at) a 250, on the first of January. It’s just an amazing feeling to start the year like this with such a nice crowd and atmosphere.”
While the loss stings for Djokovic and Kyrgios, Djokovic will look to rebound in his second-round singles match against Gael Monfils on Thursday, aiming to extend his unbeaten record against the Frenchman to 20-0. Despite combining for 10 aces, Djokovic and Kyrgios’s two double faults ultimately proved costly in the thrilling doubles encounter.
