Nick Kyrgios thrills fans with lighthearted Novak Djokovic hit

Nick Kyrgios has made a welcome return to tennis, throwing barbs with good mate Novak Djokovic in a session at Wimbledon.

Fans have reacted with delight to the sight of Nick Kyrgios having a practice session with former rival and good mate Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.

It has been just over 12 months since Kyrgios has played a competitive match, with a first-round defeat on grass on June 12 last year the Australian’s last appearance and his only Tour match dating back to October 2022.

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Significant knee and wrist injuries have left the 29-year-old an after thought among tennis fans, although he has impressed in recent commentary appearances.

That includes this month’s Wimbledon tournament, where Kyrgios reached the final back in 2022.

The Canberran lost to Djokovic that day and the duo was back on court on Saturday, with the Serbian having a hit ahead of his third round clash with Aussie Alex Popyrin on Sunday morning (AEST).

It was a promising — and entertaining — session for Kyrgios, who is reportedly targeting a long awaited return in an exhibition match in New York next month.

Kyrgios and Djokovic have developed a friendship in recent years. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The official Wimbledon account posted highlights of the session on X, with the video closing in on 500,000 views.

Early in the highlights, Djokovic earned a round of applause when he hit a behind-the-back return on the full from an errant Kyrgios backhand.

The Aussie then let out a loud “come on” and gingerly pumped his taped up right wrist after unleashing a forehand.

Later Djokovic stated “it’s your favourite one”, laughing after an attempted shot between his legs, one of Kyrgios’ trademark shots, found the net.

In the next point, Kyrgios successfully pulls off the shot and says “that’s how you do it, ah”.

At a change of ends, Kyrgios is seen shaking his head and declaring: “I know your moves, you’re just too good.”

Kyrgios and Djokovic back on court together.

Djokovic mimicked Kyrgios’ serving style at one point, while the pair had a lighthearted disagreement over a line call, with the Serbian demonstrating to Kyrgios where the ball had landed.

Kyrgios also goaded the Serbian grand slam record holder during a rally.

“Come on, come on. Come on grand slam champion, come on,” Kyrgios teased his mate during a rally before the Aussie buried a huge forehand.

Fans loved the video, which has had over 100 comments to date.

“This is better than the actual tournament, can we see more please!” was one comment.

“I would have paid big money to watch that practice,” wrote another.

“Good to see Nick on court. Such a great talent and always entertaining. Good commentary as well!” added a third.

“I miss you Nick,” another wrote simply.

“Need you back out there Kygs,” begged another.

Kyrgios reacts with fellow commentator John McEnroe at All England Club. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Kyrgios is reportedly planning to return in the Ultimate Tennis Showdown event being held in New York on August 22 and 23.

He has been linked with a doubles return alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis after the duo won the 2022 Australian Open doubles title together.

“He’s a busy man,” Kokkinakis said of Kyrgios at Wimbledon this week. “He’s doing a lot of stuff but tennis at the moment. But I know he’ll be back on a court very soon.

“I know he loves the commentary and I think he’s very good at it. I know he said he was going to start with some doubles, potentially.

“I told him to give me a buzz when he’s ready and we’ll start off and play, but yeah, he’s making the most of his off-court time, that’s for sure.”