Nick Kyrgios makes his feelings known after opening doubles win with Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios got their Brisbane International doubles campaign off to a winning start on Monday. The duo ousted Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in a match tiebreaker 6-4, 6-7(4), [10-8] much to the delight of the packed Pat Rafter Arena crowd.

During the on-court interview, Kyrgios was asked about the dynamic between him and his partner. On being asked if he were the “captain” of the team, the Aussie responded in the negative. He went on to dub Djokovic the “greatest of all time,” saying he was surprised when the Serb second-guessed himself during the match.

“Not at all. I was surprised [Novak Djokovic] doubted himself in some moments," Nick Kyrgios said. "I was like, ‘You’re the greatest of all time. Go for it. Do what you wanna do.’"

Playing in front of a home crowd after a long gap, Kyrgios was also understandably emotional. The Aussie reflected on the “brutal” injury that kept him away from the sport, before adding that he could have been able to partner Djokovic in Australia before either of them called time on their careers.

"I was looking around at all the fans. This injury has been brutal for me so I wasn’t taking any of this for granted," Nick Kyrgios said. "I don’t know how many Aussie summers I have left. We promised we would do this one time before he goes or I go. So I’m glad we’re still alive.”

Djokovic and Kyrgios, who decided to pair up for doubles at the Australian Open warm-up tournament, showed solid chemistry on the court. They overcame a second-set wobble to seal the win against seasoned doubles campaigners.

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Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios to get singles campaigns underway at Brisbane International

Novak Djokovic (L) and Nick Kyrgios during their first-round doubles encounter at the Brisbane International. (Source: Getty)

With the doubles win under their belt, Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will now shift their focus onto the singles court. Both men open their campaign with matches on Tuesday. Djokovic, who is playing in an Australian Open warm-up tournament after a significant gap, will face local favorite Rinky Hijikata in the evening session.

Kyrgios, meanwhile, faces the Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his first match back after the injury-ridden last couple of years. He will be in action during the day session at the Pat Rafter Arena.