Nick Kyrgios returns to Brisbane International for doubles gig with Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios has offered a cheeky swipe at his ‘greatest of all time’ doubles partner Novak Djokovic as the pair prepare to take the court at the Brisbane International.

Nick Kyrgios and his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Annette Dew

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has arrived in Brisbane in trademark polarising fashion, declaring it will be “a pleasure” for 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic to play doubles with him at the Brisbane International.

After an 18-month lay-off, Kyrgios will return to the court at Tennyson from Sunday to January 5.

The 2018 Brisbane International men’s singles champion said he was excited to make his comeback in Brisbane.

Nick Kyrgios pictured after arriving at Brisbane airport. Picture: David Clark

“I feel good,” he said. “It’s always good to be back here, my brother lives here as well, so it kind of feels like home.

“Just excited to come back and play in Brisbane, where you know, I’ve had some really good memories.”

In the ATP Tour competition, he will play in the singles competition, while pairing up with Djokovic in the doubles competition, in what is set to be one of the more dynamic combinations to take to the court.

Nick Kyrgios arrives in Brisbane from Canberra ahead of the Brisbane International. Picture: David Clark

The 29-year-old said he was excited to play doubles with Djokovic, who he labelled “the greatest of all time”.

“Playing doubles with the greatest of all time in Novak is pretty exciting as well,” he said.

“A lot to look forward to and I’m just happy to be back on the floor.”

Kyrgios cheekily added that it would be a pleasure for the former world #1 ranked men’s tennis player and 24-time Grand Slam winner to team up with him.

Nick Kyrgios at the Queensland Tennis Centre last month with his nephew George. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

“Everyone think it’s a pleasure playing with him, it’s actually a pleasure playing with me, let’s be real,” he declared.

“I think we wanted to play one time at least before, you know, either his career ends or mine finishes as well.

“Whenever you get a team up like this, it’s important that the fans get that because that’s what tennis is about, having two great personalities and trying to have some fun out there.”

Originally published as Nick Kyrgios returns to Brisbane International for doubles gig with Novak Djokovic